Impact of Ada Sale a Great Success
The Impact of Ada Sale took place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28th at the Lewis County Fairgrounds in Lowville, NY. The hot sun was shining and a large crowd spent the day bidding and enjoying the animals exhibiting the Impact of Ada as they walked the ring. An equally large crowd was present online for the live feed and real-time bidding by HW Productions with a total of 7 lots sold online! The sale ended with an unofficial average of $6,200. (source: holsteinworld.com)
Topping the sale at $49,000 was Lot 1 – BVK Atwood Abrianna-ET, the March 2010 Atwood daughter of 2E-94 DOM Adeen herself and a granddaughter of 2E-94 DOM Ada! Consigned by the Abrianna Syndicate of Uxbridge, ON, and purchased by Butlerview Farm of Chebanse, IL, she is a full sister to BVK Atwood Andrea-ET, the 2nd place Jr. 2-year-old at the 2012 NY Spring International Holstein Show. She sold fresh on May 4, 2012 and ready to hit the ring as a Jr. 2-year-old!
Second high seller for the day was the silky black Lot 83 for $42,500. She is Claquato-RH Elicit-ET, a December 2010 Atwood x EX-91 Lee x 2E-92 Elie Gay followed by 7 more Excellent dams. Elicit was the 2nd place Winter Calf at the 2011 Western National and is a maternal sister to Claquato-RH Escape, the Res. All-Canadian & HHM All-American Fall Calf in 2010 and Nom. All-American & All-Canadian Fall Yearling in 2011. She was consigned by Claquato Farms Inc., N. Berry & J. Kujawa and purchased by Gene Iager.
Rounding out the top three at $18,000 was Lot 25 – 1st choice Seagul-Bay Supersire from 10 transfers due 1/30/13 x VG-88 DOM MS Atlees Shottle Aubry-ET – the only Shottle daughter of the EX-92 GMD DOM Atlee! The choice was consigned by Elite Dairy, Morsan and SPL Midwest Dairy and purchased by Tim Rauen.
Pierstein Top Selection Sale Averages $5,100
The Pierstein Top Selection Sale, in Montmagny, QC on May 25, 2012 averaged $5,100 on the live lots. (source: holsteinworld.com)
Bringing the high bid of the day of $35,000 was MS Del-Hollow Javent—Red-ET (EX-93). Consigned by sale host Pierre Boulet and Dupasquier Holsteins and purchased by Kyle Natzke of Fond du Lac, WI. Fresh in March, her pedigree reveals the following record. 3-01 2x 365 24,334 4.6 1132 3.5 847. Her dam is Willsey Lakeside Jewel-Red (EX-90), then Wiilsey HR Jessica (VG-86), Willsey Sheik Jesse (VG-87) and Wilsey Ned Jessica (EX 3*).
$26,000 was the 2nd highest price of the event was purchased by Ferme Vilmer and consignor Boulet retaining partial ownership on Quality Shottle Fantisy (VG-87). She is a Shottle daughter, out of Quality Gibson Fantisco (3E-94) HM Grand Champion of Haltom-Peel Show 2006. Her next dam is the 5 time All-Canadian and 2 time RWF Grand Champion Quality BC Frantisco (3E-96 16*), then EX 35* Valiant Fran and 4E-94 Chief Faith.
Bringing the 3rd highest price of the sale at $18,800 was MS Chassity Alexa Chanel-ET (VG-86, 2y VG-MS), projected over 22,000 on her 1st lactation. She is an Alexander daughter of Regancrest S Chassity-ET (EX-92 DOM) that is a Shottle daughter out of Regancrest Cinderella (2E-92 GMD DOM) then the well known and highly regarded Regancrest PR Barbie-ET (EX-92 GMD DOM 3*).
Bull selling at auction
During the Holland Masters Sale, on June 29th next, amongst others, a young bull will be auctioned off “live”. That will be Drouner Fraiko RC, a Freddie son out of the very popular bull dam KHW Goldwyn Aiko (from the Altitude family). Fraiko has a genomic index of no less than 2257 gTPI. (source: holsteininternational.com)
Exhibiting dairy cattle at a high level has a long North American history. It is steeped in tradition. Fitters have learned some techniques to do things that most people never thought possible. However, the interesting thing that most outside the fraternity probably don’t realize is that they have also learned to adhere to an honor system known simply as “the Code.”
Now you will not find “the Code” published anywhere and if you asked them what makes up “the Code,” they would never tell you. A fitter learns the code from years of working with the same crew at the same shows and understanding how things operate. As mysterious as it is sacred, “the Code” is an unwritten set of rules – the bible of fitter sportsmanship, if you will – that has been handed down through generations.
The Legends of the Game
Even though the code has been around since breeders starting exhibiting cattle, it remains a taboo subject, so much so that many of the fitters are simply unwilling to talk about it. Even when outsiders criticize the ethics of many of these fitters, they stand fast together and keep “the Code” to themselves. They even self-police who is playing by “the Code” and who is stepping outside the lines. I have even seen it comes to blows when one fitter takes it too far and an “enforcer” or elder statesmen sees the need to help “educate” a young fitter.
I can still remember when I first started showing cattle, and having the legendary Bert Stewart, (side note: Bert is probably given more to educating dairy youth than any other human being on the planet) show me how they used to do toplines and get things just right. From there I aspired to tune my skills by watching the likes of Larry Bennett and Lowell Lindsay. While the techniques have changed, there is no question these men and others like them pioneered the craft of dairy cattle fitting and helped make our breed great
The Cow Whisperer
However, there probably is no person to whom I can attribute learning more about “the Code” than from the late David Brown. While I have heard many things said about David, there is no one can deny his love of cattle and his insane ability to get a cow ready for the ring. David was some sort of “cow whisperer.” He could just look at a cow and know exactly what it would take to have her looking her best the moment she entered the show ring. I will not say that all those tactics were in line with the written code of ethics.
MERKLEY STARBUCK WHITNEY EX-CAN EX-96-5YR-USA
I can still remember when in 2002, David wanted to bring the great Merkley Starbuck Whitney, the 2 time Grand at the Royal back for one more tour. Having not shown in at least 8+ years and not been in milking form in at least seven, everyone had their doubts. However, David was determined to make it happen. Therefore, at about 2 am on a cold Friday morning, David rolled his string into our local fair, and sure enough, there was Whitney, small head in all. While I will not say that she looked as good as when she won the Royal, she easily looked good enough to win her class and be Grand, not only there but also at the Rockton Championship show. He even had her at the Royal that year. And while she did not relive former glory at the Royal, she certainly held her own against cows half her age. All this because of David’s passion and ability to understand what it takes to get a cow ready for the show ring.
The Next Generation
Now I am sure, given past posts on this site, that most of you are expecting me to come down hard on the current group of fitters as there practices are seen as “un-ethical” or down right immoral. However, in reality that is not how I feel. I grew up working with these guys on the show circuit, and still to this day consider many of them to be friends. Now just because they are friends is not why I am taking it easy. It’s because I have huge respect for the life they live and the work they do.
If I was to come out here and start lambasting them I would be doing the exact same thing that hockey enforcers Stu Grimson, Chris Nilan and Jim Thomson did when they spoke out about fighting in hockey years after they retired. And as the great Don Cherry puts it, “they are pukes” and “hypocrites.” However, it’s not just because of that I do not come down as hard. It’s more that I understand “the Code” that they all conduct themselves under. They support their own very strongly and if you ever want to see who the truly great show cattle are just ask one of these fitters, or better yet, watch what cows or cow families they invest in. It’s very telling.
The one challenge I do have when it comes to show ethics is the effects it has on marketing. Many unaware breeders looking to invest their hard-earned money into show cattle do not have the insight that is needed to play in this marketplace. Yes, unknowing breeders do invest in poor choices, not knowing what is going on. While I have heard the term “buyer beware” come up, it still alarms me when this happens. My advice in this regard is, don’t invest in something you know nothing about. I would not invest in the stock market without first learning about the market and then getting the advice of an expert. The same is true when it comes to investing in great show cattle and genomic animals. Barclay Phoenix, Jeff Stephens and Mike Heath, are just three of the many great cattlemen that have the eye for cattle and integrity to help steer you in the correct direction. Remember these men only have their name to trade on, so they know it’s not about the quick buck, but rather providing a great service.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
While many outsiders would like to have all fitters barred from the business, it really is different when you look at it from an inside perspective. I have a great deal of respect for those who choose to live that lifestyle. It is not an extremely lucrative life, and it is not easy on personal life. If it had not been for me developing extreme allergy to dust at age 18, I might still be doing it today. While I am no longer involved from the inside, I am still involved with the marketing business. Whether it`s the next Royal or Madison Grand Champion or the world`s next top model, it is important to have the right people behind the scenes with the right preparation and those final finishing touches. I am proud to have had the opportunity to learn “the Code” that all these men (well mostly men), live by and their internal system for ensuring that they put on the best show possible.
For years GP-84-2YR was the kiss of death when it came to marketing and selling genetics. However, along comes genomics and it seems that GP is good enough. Nevertheless, the question it has me asking is “Is Good Plus Good Enough?”
I can still remember when Summershade Icebreak Luke, was the #1 LPI cow in Canada. The problem was she was scored GP-83-2YR. The A.I. companies where not sure if they should even sample bulls from her and how would they convince their members to use them in their young sire programs. Then came along Summershade Igniter and Summershade Inquirer and A.I. companies took the chance. While hindsight is 20/20, maybe they should have passed. On the female side, Icebreak had 34 daughters classified and only 7 of them going VG. We ourselves had one of those daughters Summershade Icemarti. While she did score VG, it was not until her 2nd lactation, long past her peak marketing time. In the past, we have purchased many daughters out of GP 83 and 84 two year olds, expecting them to go VG before our purchase calved in. It has proven to be a risky move, but one that could have paid off big time. On the male side Icebreak had six sons enter A.I. service but none where ever returned to service.
On the flip side, I can also remember when we first purchased into the Braedale Gypsy Grand family and many people around us had concerns about her GP-83-2YR dam. While there was a very good reason why Moonriver never went VG, we still found ourselves having to explain things many times. Then along came Second Cut, Baler Twine, Freelance and Goodluck and we found that changed everything.
As we all know genomics has changed the name of the game, and we now see A.I. companies sampling high genomic sires irrelevant of their score or the score of their dam. With that in mind, I decided to take a look at the current high index dams that are NOT scored VG. The following is what I found.
The Story in the US
In the US, there are three GP cows on the Top 25 GTPI Cows List (GP-83-or Higher). Leading the way is BEN-AKERS PLANET LUISE26-ET, she the #3 GTPI cow and the #1 NM cow scored over 83 points. While Luise is from the Ricecrest Luke Lisa family and has solid type numbers, her genomic values for type are actually lower than her parent average and yet she still has a son at Alta Genetics, Ben-Akers AltaRazzle. Joining Luise on the top GTPI list at #18 is SURE-VIEW MP PLANET LEXI. Lexi is from the M&M-Pond-Hill Leadman Luba family and is scored GP-83-2YR. Similar to Luise, Lexi has high genomic values compared to her parent average but yet again has conformation scores that just meet expectations. Unlike Luise, it appears to this point that Lexi does not have any sons currently in A.I.. The third member of the list is SULLY PLANET MANITOBA , this GP-83-2YR is out of the great brood cow, Sully Shottle May the former #1 GTPI and GLPI cow of the breed. Of course May is believed to have more offspring genomic tested over 2200 & 2300 GPTI than any other cow in the breed. Unlike the other two GP 2yr olds on the top list, Manitoba has outstanding type numbers and her genomic values are actually higher than her parent average. It’s these outstanding values that have her with at least three sons currently in A.I., SULLY HART MERIDIAN-ET and SULLY HART MUNICH-ET at Semex, and SULLY ALTABRANDON-ET at Alta Genetics.
The Canadian Story
Much like the US list the #3 spot on the Canadian List is held by a GP-83-2YR, Benner Planet Jakova-ET. Being a Planet from a Goldwyn, Jakova has strong parent average for type and has strong genomic values as well. Coming from the Benner Luke Jean family, Jokava has yet to put a son into A.I.. Joining Jokova on the list is Delaberge Planet Lulu. However, on April 25th Lulu was raised to VG-85-2YR, 244 days fresh. Lulu comes from the Bryhill Lindy Lilly family and already has a son at Semex, DONNANDALE LUMI. The third member on the list is Alexerin Oman 993. Of interesting note about 993 is that there are no VG dams anywhere in her pedigree, she has mostly production sires and yet her parent average for conformation is five and her genomic value is a six. Not surprisingly, 993 does not have any sons currently in A.I. The last member on the list is Calbrett Planet Empress. Much like Lulu, Empress has since been moved to VG-86-2YR later in lactation. Empress is from the WABASH-WAY EVETT dam of the popular genomic sire Genervations Eclipse and the same family as Epic and Highway. Given the strong maternal pedigree, Empress has PA of +10 for conformation and actually exceeds that with a +12 for her direct genomic value. Given her increase in score and strong maternal pedigree it is just a matter of time before she has sons in A.I..
The Bullvine Bottom Line
While GP-84-2YR use to be the kiss of death for many marketing and genetic programs, genomics has changed the game. With genomics, we are seeing many GP 83 or 84 cattle used as dams that would have never been touched before. While many will increase in score later in life, many do not, and yet that does not seem to be as big a factor. Many A.I. companies and breeders are more concerned about their genomic values than that of their actual classification score.
In the past, there was nothing better for marketing your dairy cattle than getting a great photo. It has often been said that a cow needs to look great twice in her life, once when the classifier sees her and once when you take her photo. Today’s problem is that, with the advancement in digital photography, some photographers have taken it too far (read “Has Photo Enhancement Gone Too Far”?), to the point where many people do not completely trust photo’s anymore. This is why, in the future, video will be the #1 way to sell your dairy cattle.
Video is 100% Honest
While it is possible for photos to be touched up, in order to touch up a video it would take more resources than any breeder or A.I. organization could ever afford. In a video, you are able to see all the strengths and flaws as well as how your cattle walk and move on their legs. Many times I have seen a cow that would not classify well for feet & legs last 5+ lactations, just because of how they handle their feet and legs. I have also seen the exact opposite occur as well. A young cow or bull that has very fine feet and legs that would score well, but since they are not very mobile on them, they don’t last past their first couple of lactations or exits the A.I. stud early in life. Watching an animal on video lets you see all this.
Check out this video by Dairybullsonline.com of Venture Proxy PP-Red. Notice how with just a little intro, some music, and a little time, they were able to create a great video that really gives you a strong appreciation for what the strengths and weaknesses of the bull are and how well he moves on his feet.
Video’s Help Sell in Live Auctions
Not every potential bidder can make it in person to the auction where you may be selling your consignments. Not wanting to lose out on this potential revenue, Ferme Jacobs has done a great job of creating a cost effective video to help show how these potential show heifers continue the success that Ferme Jacobs has been having at the major shows in North America (read Ferme Jacobs: Success Is All In The Family).
The world has gone digital, and that includes Holstein World. Holstein World seeing the demand for video has even created Holstein World Productions that does a great job of covering auctions (for a cost) that helps sell the animals to a larger market. Check out this video in support of the recent Impact of Ada Sale
With no retouching and just simply letting the heifer be natural, the potential buyers get a great understanding of what the animal is really like. Something they could never get from a still shot.
Use Video to Promote Your Herd to the World
Have you ever noticed that most major big brand’s and company’s front page of their website increasingly resembles TV commercials? That’s because television advertisers have spent billions over the years on what they know works and grabs people’s attention. Advancements in technologies and increasing connection speeds have almost doubled in the past 2 years alone. Websites are starting to catch up with what works on TV. They don’t do it with text. They do it with audio and video. They know they have only 3-5 seconds to grab your attention. Therefore, I pose this question, “what is the difference between a TV commercial and the front page of your website?” You want to grab attention and prompt someone to take time and look at your cattle, right? Well, you’d better have video in some fashion up front in order to do that.
Taking their use of video to all aspects of their website, check out the video on Ferme Jacobs website (http://www.fermejacobs.com/) welcoming visitors to their farm. By watching that video, you are able to get a sense for what Ferme Jacobs is all about and because they have broken the ice, you feel as if you already know them and have an increased sense of trust.
Video brings with it a distinct benefit in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for your site. Recently, Google, Yahoo, and other search engines decided that they would rank a website higher in their SEO algorithms for having a video embedded somewhere within the site. They even figured out ways to view the text within the videos themselves and use that in search engines.
The most common way to have video on your site is by using a service such as YouTube or Vimeo. However, you do need to be smart about how to use these services if you go that route. Your view rating will be a lot higher if you embed the video onto your webpage rather than just putting a link to show your video on YouTube or Vimeo. Besides, why would you send someone away from your website when the goal is to keep them on your website for as long as possible?
The Bullvine Bottom Line
There really is nothing better than video to help you sell and promote your cattle. It does not have to be some big costly production. In fact, it can be much cheaper than having a professional photographer come in. You can simply use your hand held blackberry or smartphone and snap some quick snippets to share with potential buyers on Facebook or on your website. Even good quality digital video cameras can be picked up at your local Best-Buy or Wal-Mart. Most even come with some basic software so that you can add your own titles, images, and music. While I am not saying you don’t need to take still shots of your cattle (they are still needed for ads, and such), what I am saying is think about how you can incorporate video into your marketing plans. You will be happy you did. See you in the movies!
If you are like many of us you are alternately amazed, overwhelmed and confused by the barrage of information that is fed to you through your breed organizations, cattle committees and industry publications. As part of The Bullvine`s commitment to be an informative and understandable resource for cattle breeders, I have spent considerable time trying to get my non-scientific head around the 2011 paper in the Journal of Dairy Science entitled, “Novel strategies to minimize progeny inbreeding while maximizing genetic gain using genomic information.” Was it worth the bother? Yes. Definitely.
What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
We can all agree that Genomic information is a tremendous breakthrough for cattle breeding. With all the potential, it didn’t take long for the concern to arise that greater rates of genetic gain could lead to higher annual rates of inbreeding. My wild imagination skipped to a picture of everyone breeding to the top bulls and ending up with a single family. Even if that seems outrageous, it is definitely possible that generation intervals could be halved through taking advantage of the accurate GEBV’s available at birth and this could increase the inbreeding per year. Therefore, I definitely wanted to find out from this paper published by Pryce, Hayes and Goddard in Australia on how genomic information offers possibilities to control the level of progeny inbreeding.
Concern: Are we moving from homogenized milk to homozygous cows?
Let’s take a look at the indicators that might lead us to believe the answer is, “Yes!”
Genomic predictions are both cost effective and highly accurate. Therefore there is the very definite potential to accelerate the rate of genetic gain beyond that achieved through progeny testing.
Shorter generation intervals could result in large numbers of animals who are similar in genetic makeup due to the sires used.
It’s human nature to aim for the best. The uptake of genomics has been beyond anything previously predicted or imagined. Not only is the playing field being leveled it is being dramatically narrowed down.
Strategies to Control the Rate of Inbreeding
An important part of this Australian study was to evaluate the effect of the three strategies tested on the homozygosity of deleterious recessives. In other words, what can breeders do to limit the potential for negative effects of inbreeding? Before, we go further, it is interesting to note, that these researchers referenced more than twenty other research papers. The focus on this subject is concentrated and that can only be good for the eventual outcome for breeder decision making.
The main limitation of comparing methods to predict progeny inbreeding is that, at this time, there is no best practice for measuring inbreeding. Pedigree is flawed by errors and gaps and often, particularly in commercial herds, the depth of pedigree. Genomic relationships calculated using SNP data could have errors from incorrect identification of samples.
The goal of these researchers was to compare 3 strategies for controlling progeny inbreeding in mating plans:
Pedigree inbreeding coefficients
Genomic relationships
Shared runs of homozygosity.
The Good News Is….
I know this all sounds very complex, but relax there is good news. The study found that both genomic relationships and pedigree relationships were successful strategies to control the rate of inbreeding under genomic selection. They also concluded that using genomic relationships instead of pedigree relationships “appears to be better at constraining genomic inbreeding under genomic selection.” The unique part of their study was that they went a step further and proposed “using runs of homozygosity to control the rate of inbreeding.”
Again I know sounds very complex. So let’s try and break it down. One of the underlying processes of inbreeding is that it increases the frequency of both favorable and deleterious homozygotes. ROH stands for run of homozygosity. If the occurrence of deleterious homozygotes is more likely to arise as a consequence of recent inbreeding (which is the potential of heavy use of genomics) then strategies to minimize ROH could be a way of reducing them. A novel approach, don’t you agree?
What did they do?
In the research simulation they used 300 cows with 20 sires available for mating, replicated 50 times. Each of the 300 individuals allocated as dams were matched to 1 of 20 sires to maximize genetic merit minus the penalty for estimated progeny inbreeding and given the restriction that the sire could not be mated to more than 10% of the cows. In the discussion part of the paper, which, of course, is the easiest part to understand they offer this: “The results presented here show that using A GRM instead of pedigree in a mating plan is an effective way to reduce the expected inbreeding in progeny, with minimal effect on the genetic gain for the inbreeding objective.” The breeding objective in Australia is expressed as APR and in Canada it is LPI and in the US is TPI.
What can YOU do Today?
Before we go on to look at the financial aspect of this discussion, you should refer to the Genomic Evaluation Details which are available from CDN (Canadian Dairy Network) or from your breed association. In the CDN report there is a column that gives the percentage inbreeding (%ING) numbers for the Sire; Dam and MGS. In general it could be agreed that 0-8 is good; 8 to 10 is okay: 11 to 14 watch and 15 or more take action.
What is the Dollar Difference of Inbreeding?
Inbreeding affects profitability by adversely affecting traits related to fitness and production. Data from the US reported that the current cost of inbreeding over an average cow’s lifetime was US$24. For this study a conservative value of $5 per year was used as the economic value per 1% increase in inbreeding. “These results demonstrate that using GRM information, a 1% reduction in progeny inbreeding (valued at around $5 per cow) can be made with very little compromise in the overall breeding objective. These results and the availability of low-cost, low –density genotyping make it attractive to apply mating plans that use genomic information in commercial herds.”
By itself this economic benefit does not currently justify the investment in whole herd genotyping, if one considers that pedigree information is free and appears to do a pretty good job of controlling inbreeding, However, it may be economically worthwhile for dairy farmers to invest in whole-herd low-density genotyping in conjunction with other uses of genotyping. Examples could include confirming parentage, selecting the best heifer calves to keep as herd replacements, managing genetic defects, flushing and selling high-value pedigree stock. These researchers conclude: “Based on our calculations the value of genotyping to control inbreeding could be worth between $5 and $10 per cow.” You do the math.
THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE
So this is my untrained, non-scientific understanding of this single paper on a subject that is growing faster than gossip on a grapevine. Having said that, it is each dairy breeder’s job to be informed. Use your network to find out who has the best answers to this question because when it comes down to the affect of inbreeding on YOUR breeding bottom line it’s YOUR money!
Not sure what all this hype about genomics is all about?
Want to learn what it is and what it means to your breeding program?
For some time now the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) has been working to establish a “Cooperative Agreement” with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) pertaining to the transfer of the USDA-‐ARS dairy genetic evaluation service to the CDCB. This has culminated in the recent release of a draft Cooperative Agreement for public comment. The problem is that the draft lacks some of the core values that makes America great, specifically the ability for everyone to operate on a level playing field (access to information) and to be led by brave leadership driving toward a better future.
With these changes come many questions. Some key issues follow.
Will everyone have access to the information?
Reading the agreement may require having a law degree to fully understand it. This may be by intention, but it really doesn’t make for light reading. Some of the language in the proposed agreement is very confusing. It talks about how the CDCB will have ownership and control of the information. One of the reasons that the USA has been able to become the mega world power that it is was because it was founded on the belief that everyone is created equal and has equal opportunity to achieve success. Looking at how the use of genomic information was handled in the past does not bode well for how everyone will get free access to the information. Many smaller organizations are concerned that this will lead to a monopoly for a few A.I. studs.
The proposed wording is in stark contrast to allowing free access to the information for all those involved. This actually causes a double edged sword. On one side, the powers that be are limiting the small guy from competing at the same level. However, there is also the interest about keeping much larger players, such as say Pfizer from entering. In Canada, Pfizer is already offering genomic testing and what’s to stop them from using their many resources to use that information in new ways (read Are You Ready for Genetically Modified Cattle).
How do we maintain our integrity with breeders worldwide?
Similar to the views expressed by Greg Anderson of Seagull Bay Dairy, many breeders are concerned about the perceived integrity that comes from going away from a government organization (USDA) to a private entity. Vice President of Holstein USA Glen Brown and Director Bill Wright also express these concerns, Both men are also dairy breeders and call for the need to develop strong business plan, in the following video
While I do understand this concern, there are many examples worldwide, such as the Canadian Dairy Network (CDN), which has been able to maintain integrity and do it without the political hurdles that come with government involvement.
One of the lessons learned from the CDN model is that you need equal representation from all parties involved, not just those who put up the most money. CDN is majority funded by Industry and specifically A.I., but its board has equal representation from breed associations, breeders, and industry. This is necessary in order to maintain the integrity of the organization and also to provide effective direction for the future. One thing is for sure, it will take bold leadership through these times. This makes me remember when Murray Hunt (Dad for disclosure sake) backed by the Canadian Genetic Evaluation Board, was facing a similar challenge in Canada. At the time he made some bold moves, hiring of Paola Rossi, and Gerald Jansen, Canadians working in Italy to do Canadian genetic evaluations, long before there was the full business plan, but rather had the agreement in principle. Yes, this was putting the cart before the horse, but it also lead to the formation of the Canadian Dairy Network (CDN).
Who pays the bills?
As Holstein USA Director and dairy breeder Leroy Eggink, points out in the video above, it has been a great scenario for US breeders having taxpayers foot the bill. But, that gravy train is over. In Canada when that ship sailed, it left industry footing the bill. Since A.I. represents the most direct profitable gain from genetic evaluations, that means they are left holding the bag. Ultimately, this cost is passed on to the breeders. And while the response comes that we pay for all the systems that track and record this information, there is still the cost to convert that raw data into actionable information (bull proofs).
The one area the CDCB needs to remember is that all costs should be expensed equally and should not play favorites with the larger A.I. centers, as happened with Genomic information. In an interview with Ron Flatness, Flatness International, he repeatedly expressed the concerns around price for the smaller competitors and protecting against un-needed additional fees. (Following comments are that of the writer and not Ron) Instead of higher membership fees that will limit the involvement of smaller organizations or independent breeders, all costs need to be handled equally. One standard price per sire sampled vs. a much larger membership fees, would be fair to everyone.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Be careful what you ask for. While many breeders want 100% free access to information, it isn’t always a good thing. While there are many questions that still need to be answered, regarding a business plan, ownership of information and how to be as transparent as possible, I ask the question, “Is this a move to keep, not smaller players, but much larger players out of the marketplace?”
Top prices at Regancrest
At an average price of $12,207 (108 lots), the 7th edition of the Regancrest Command Performance Sale has been the highlight among last week’s auctions. And the top price was not half bad, too. Even twice, a lot was knocked down at $60,000. At first, Jeff Butler paid that price for Regelcreek Shmrock Amber (2562 gTPI) from the Chief Adeen family, and shortly afterwards a 1st choice from the Cosmopolitan family caught up: Mark Kerndt purchased a Supersire daughter out of Larcrest Cale, who in turn is a high Observer daughter out of Crimson. At the third-highest price, attractive Sandy-Valley Devrie (2429 gTPI) changed ownership. Devrie is sired by Shamrock and out of Regan-ALH Divina, the Boliver sister to well-known Goldwyn sons Danillo and Goldday from the Raven family. At $42,000, she went to Jeff Simpson. A Denim granddaughter to Sully Shottle Max, Sully Hart Denim (2431 gTPI) fetched the fourth-highest price ($40,000) paid by Daisy Farms. (source:holsteininternational.com)
Coveted type pedigree
An Atwood daughter of National Champion, Hoff September Paradise, was sale topper at the Spring Sale (average: €3,753) of Bra-Ko-Holsteins in Southern Sweden. At €10,600, that yearling heifer went to the Hoff brothers and Semex Sweden. A 1st choice Fever out of Hoff Linjet Marql and an Advent out of a Goldwyn sister to Integrity Paradise fetched €7,200 each. (source:holsteininternational.com)
Strong premiere At the Lornlace Sale in New Zealand organized for the first time ever, several top prices were achieved. At NZ$26,000, the unchallenged Nr.1 on the price comparison list was a 1st choice of two Edition daughters out of the coveted bull dam Lornlace Extasy Dimple. She is the dam of the high young bull Dumpling who will receive his first daughter-based proof soon. A total of 48 lots averaged NZ$2,740. (source:holsteininternational.com)
Northwest Illinois Spring Sizzler Averages $2512
The Northwest Illinois Holstein club held their annual Spring Sizzler Sale Friday, May 4th. The sale was at the Stephenson Co. Fairgrounds in Freeport, IL. The nice weather brought out many Northern IL and Southern WI breeders to see a very nice lineup of cattle sell. The sale achieved a $2512 average! (source:holsteinworld.com)
Topping the sale at $11,000 was Lot 1- MS Alexis Colt Ali-ET, she is a 10/11 Polled RC Colt-P with a +1947GTPI x VG-86 VG-MS Shottle x EX-95 KHW Regiment APPLE-RED! She was consigned by Apple Partners and purchased by Joseph O’Callaghan of Ireland.
The second high seller at $4700 was a 12/12 Reality-Red x OCD Contender Lonnie-Red-ET VG-86, 1st milking yrlg Royal Winter Fair R&W Show 2011. She was consigned by Milksource Genetics and was purchased by Meier Meadows of Ridott, IL.
Third at $4300 was Lot 28 a fancy 4/11 Apples Absolute-Red heifer x Erbacres Advent Candy-Red VG-85 VG-MS, consigned by Kevin Erbsen. She was purchased by Rachel Koehn/K-Lane Farms of Peotone, IL.
This article marks a great accomplishment for the Bullvine. It is our 81st article in the past 3 months. That is 26 articles a month. That represents more than double the number of quality articles of our nearest competitor and more than quadruples that of most dairy publications (note: these results do not include event or show reporting articles). It has me asking if these results mean t we are working that much harder than our competitors are? or does it mean they are fat and lazy couch potatoes?
When we started the Bullvine, we said that we were not just an event-reporting magazine. We would not be a billboard or promoter of whoever will pay us the most money. We have already shown we are something different, something real. We are providing what’s been missing for real dairy breeders. (for more read Twice the Bull, Half the S**t) Moreover, our more than 3,000 daily visitors and 10,000 subscribers in just 3 months would say that breeders are responding.
Obviously, we are doing something right. So then my question turns to what the others are doing? Much as I anticipated after being part of the dairy industry for the past 30 years, nothing has really changed. Sure, some of them are trying to use social media a little more and others are maybe trying to be a little edgier with their content, but in reality, nothing has really changed. They are just sitting on their butts watching the world go by.
Is this a blatant shot across the bow of our competitors? Yes, but that is because we did not start the Bullvine for fame or fortune. We started the Bullvine to help educate breeders and provide them with un-biased information about the dairy industry. Does that mean we don’t have an opinion? Not even close. We have expressed very strong opinions. Over the past few months, we have stirred up a lot of conversation with such articles as:
What does this mean to you? While we would not expect everyone to agree 100% with what we have said, we are making breeders think. We are making them think about their breeding programs and the industry as a whole.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
What I ask now is, “Is it making the other dairy publications think?” The very real possibility, is that they going to continue to just sit on their couch potato butts. Neither you nor I should be responsible for raising couch potatoes – even though it sounds so agricultural. Here at the Bullvine we are raising your expectations, your level of information and your hopes for the future of the dairy industry. Thanks for supporting our opening quarter!
A picture is worth a thousand words and, thanks to YouTube, almost every new trend, scandalous leader and singing idol can be viewed after the tapping of a few keys. Today we are linking you to a cattle related video that deals with disease with TB in badgers. Before you raise your stop sign, keep an open mind for a minute. After all it could be TB in Canadian or American deer or wild bison. It could be brucellosis. After watching this 2011 film entitled, “Mayday at Heolfawr Cross” we hope you don’t remain on the fence, even though that is the final view we have of Dai Bevan as we see the destruction of his life’s work raising Longhorn cattle in Wales? Another stop sign? Longhorns are not Holsteins! Wales is not Canada or the US. Take a few minutes to see if there is anything to learn or, at the very least, who is to blame?
Oops! There’s the first mistake. If we decide that laying blame is the only outcome we seek, then there will never be a different ending to this sad story.
Ignore the problem or point the finger of blame
It’s hard not to feel empathy for Dai Bevan when he quietly acknowledges, “I am absolutely not in control of the situation.” Faced with the agonizing loss of his cattle who, though “not friends” are the individuals he cared for primarily all his life, he does get angry at those he feels caused this outcome “They are denying gravity. The world isn’t round it is flat. Why is a cow’s life so much less than a wild animal’s?” He asks the question and his veterinarian neighbours, also affected by TB, express their frustration. “We know what needs to be done, but politics is standing in the way.” They feel helpless.
Excuses, Blame and Status Quo
One video can’t possibly provide the full details of what has led to this situation. Of course, we see it through the filters of our own North American experience, which may only be arms length from such problems. Although this deals with wild animal vectors, we did experience the same agonizing decisions, finger-pointing and loss of animals and income, when we were in the negative spotlight of BSE. We could have said and did say the same words as Dai Bevan, “I don’t like that there’s nothing I can do.” But is that the final word?
Who’s Healthy? Who’s Sick?
The point that is touched on only briefly in this video, is that the badgers are hosting and perhaps suffering from TB. In North America deer are contracting the disease, as are wild bison. The end result is not just death for the cattle but also for the carrier. A good point is made that the general public has a fuzzy, sometimes fairy-tale view of wildlife from their far-from-the-farm vantage point. But at the end of the day, disease is disease. Ignored disease is deadly, whether it’s carried by wildlife, cattle or the person you meet for coffee today.
Timely Testing
We all would like to think we have our personal (and farm) health protocols working properly but how often do you hear that a friend or family member has just received bad news from a health test and that they are facing a dire prognosis. There is nothing timely about a vet visit that ends with the disposal of an entire herd of cattle.
Prevention or Cure?
In the film the veterinarian points out that there has been awareness that TB has been present in the longhorn and other breeds for years. Of course, it became personal when it affected his own herd. We can’t bury our heads in clouds of hopefulness that it won’t become personal. Even if it isn’t our own herd of cattle, it affects sales, loss of genetic material, financial costs and the image of an entire country, industry and each farmer. As we heard on the video it’s time to stand up and say “The buck stops here!”
Priorities or Partnerships?
You can’t watch the video without having a response to it. Evan Bevan acknowledges that we all enjoy “hours at times watching badgers playing and rolling down banks. The difference is they’re healthy (i.e. non-lethal) badgers.” We all have a stake in healthy wildlife as well as healthy livestock. It is discouraging that conservationists “take the view that (badgers) are an absolute priority (over cattle) rather than a partnership. The two have to exist together.” A solution has to be found that doesn’t lose both wildlife and the animals that provide food for our tables.
Teamwork
North Americans are well-aware of the term Bio-Security. It may have had an impact on your farm already. It isn’t the fault or responsibility of someone else. Each one of us is responsible for the health status that affects our farm, our cattle, and our family. You need to be hyper-vigilant. This starts with awareness of risks. Get in touch with OMAFRA or Department of Agriculture and find out for yourself what current risks may be present in your area. We have had unusual weather which affects our crops and cows. It affects the wildlife population as well. What impact could it have on you? What input have you had from your farm team? Be proactive not reactive because, as a nutritionist recently told me, “Reaction means dead cows!”
THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE
When it comes to diseases that could wipe out your entire herd, you absolutely MUST know the answer to the question, “Where do you sit?” Hint #1: The answer cannot be “On the fence!” Hint #2: The answer cannot be “Wait and see!” If you wait, it’s too late!
From the “milk wars” in the 1960’s that established Canada’s supply management system to the various rounds of World Trade Organization meetings, Canada’s quota system has always been a contentious subject for many reasons. We decided to look at the issue from an animal breeding perspective. We are not trying to analyze the pros and cons of the quota system, but rather what it means for dairy farmers’ breeding programs.
Various rounds of world trade talks have touched on this issue but, similar to US subsidies, it seems that even though they are counter productive to world trade, no one wants to broach this issue. With that, we found that it has the following three effects on Canadian breeder’s genetics programs:
Limits Entry to Market
Because farmers need to own quota in order to ship fluid milk, it limits who is able to produce milk. Often times in a new operation the cost of quota is the single largest capital investment in starting a new dairy. This greatly restricts herd size as well as often times this means that the next generation of dairy farmers have to go work in other industries in order to build enough capital in order to enter the market. Many times these individuals never come back and are a true loss to the dairy industry. Those that have the smarts to excel in other industries end up doing great things in other markets instead of helping advance the dairy breeding industry.
Provides Stables Pricing
While the world price for milk saw a significant drop in late 2008, due to Canada’s supply management system Canadian dairy producers did not directly feel that effect. This meant that Canadian breeders could continue to run their programs as if nothing had changed. But many top breeders who’s “genetics” check is either the yearly vacation fund, or others whose genetic sales represent the majority of the farm’s profit, saw a significant drop in fresh heifer and even high end genetic sales to their major market, the US. “Big deal!” you may say. Actually, this was very significant. Having just come out of the BSE turmoil, Canada was looking to rebuild their world export markets and for many breeders their programs are not won or lost on the value of what the top animals sell for, but rather the cost of recipients. With a low price for fresh heifers, many breeders went from making a profit on their recipients to taking a significant loss. So while the quota system helped protect them on their milk check, nothing could help them on their genetics check through this period.
Promotes Inefficiency in Production
Any smart breeder knows how to breed for maximum profitability however, with a stable milk price that is higher than world market price, many Canadian producers have not been forced to maximize the efficiency of their dairy operations. Peter Slade found that when comparing Ontario Dairy Farmers operations to New York dairies that New York farmers where up to 17.5% more economically efficient in their milk production. This efficiency did not only come from their operations alone but also their breeding programs. Because New York dairies are forced to look as every aspect of their operations and look how they can maximize revenue, their mating programs are substantially more geared towards efficient milk production than that of Ontario operations. Canadian breeders have been able to focus on type more significantly for many years, and hence their distinct advantage in this area.
The Bottom Line
The quota system has been both a gift and a curse to Canadian dairy farmers. There is no question when you look at the big picture that the quota system has been great for dairy farmers. However, when it comes to their breeding programs, it has had a bias and limiting effect. Granted, it has allowed breeders to focus much more on type and breeding the Canadian kind, but, at the same time, it has also built a false market security and therefore, there has not been as much focus on production and efficiency that other markets have been forced to address. The real advantage comes for many dairy operations when both opportunities are recognized and maximized by the savvy Canadian dairy breeder.
As hints of summer start to make their mark on farms and fields across Canada, future farmers look forward to the end of another school year, however, school is always in, when it comes to breeding cattle. There is always something new to be learned by those who want to move to the head of the class. How many checkmarks have you got on your breeding report card?
MAPEL WOOD SHOTTLE LILI VG-88-2YR-CAN
Gary Hazeleger of Hanalee Holsteins, has 20/20 vision when he looks back on the success he and fellow-investors, Hazbro and Darcroft, have had since purchasing Mapel Wood Shottle Lili in 2010 at the International Intrigue Sale, hosted by Mapel Wood.
6 Dairy Cattle Investment Secrets
Investing in cattle is not for the faint of heart.
For most of us, it helps to analyze the success achieved by others and see what, if anything, applies to our own particular situation. Gary Hazeleger of Embro Ontario accepts the always changing aspect of cattle breeding. He notes that “Although Genomics has added a new measure of confidence to decision making, there is still nothing that guarantees a 100% sure thing when you’re investing in cattle.”
Identify the most correct animal.
Gary starts the report card on Lili by describing his own first impression of her. “I remember seeing her as a baby calf and thinking that she was the most correct calf in the sale. She was a little bit small to show as a calf but still very correct.” With his interest aroused, he goes on to explain what sealed the deal. “It didn’t hurt that both Comestar Goldwyn Lilac and Lylehaven Lila Zhad been two of my favorite cows over the past few years. So a few of us got together and decided to purchase Lili.”
COMESTAR GOLDWYN LILAC VG-89-5YR-CAN
LYLEHAVEN LILA Z EX-94-CAN 9*
Expect a true winner to be a hard worker too.
In the dairy business, it’s counterproductive if you have to baby your genetic leaders. Gary Hazeleger had no such problems after deciding to go with Shottle Lili. “Of course, the last two years have confirmed that this was the right decision. Lili is amazing to work with. She just does her thing every day. She milks a lot, doesn’t get sick and stands there looking great all day long. She is a real pet in the barn.” Who could ask for anything more? Nobody. But this VG-88 2 year old goes above and beyond ordinary. “She is a tremendous dairy cow with an amazing udder and a perfect set of feet and legs. As for production she is really using up a good chunk of the quota we have right now. Her 2 year old projections are 305d 14929 5.4F 951 3.1P 501 (BCA 375 657 398). She had 6.8% butterfat on her last test.”
Learn to Deal with the Repercussions.
Is there a downside to all this investment success? “Yes!” says Hazeleger. “She makes staying under quota very difficult.” And, wouldn’t you know, this overachiever doesn’t stop there. “We have only flushed her once in her first lactation and she produced 16 eggs by Lauthority.” Of course, this is having a very positive impact on Hazeleger’s herd. “Whenever you have a young cow such as Lili in your barn, it makes you more excited to get up in the morning and also brings more interest into the rest of your herd. It seems that it’s almost every day that someone new wants to stop in and see her and, while they’re visiting, they see all the other cows as well.”
Spread the Good News
Hazeleger confirms that the interest goes well beyond the immediate area of Embro. “We have had a lot of interest in Lili from all over the world. Some of the countries include United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, United States and also Canada. Ten eggs from Lili’s first flush were sold to the UK.” All this interest is starting to focus on her progeny, which now includes two December 2011 Lauthority bulls and her February 2012 natural heifer by Pine-Tree Sid.
Share the Secret of Your Success
It certainly seems that his experience with Lili has put Gary Hazeleger in a great position to offer advice to breeders who are looking to purchase top genetics. “My advice would be to stick to good cow families and heifers that are sired by good bulls. With genomics now moving so quickly there are cows and bulls that come and go, but the good proven families always keep coming back such as the Lila Z’s, the Gypsy Grands and the Laurie Sheiks.”
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Only time will tell if Lili’s successful report card can be repeated but Gary thinks you can raise the odds of making the grade if you study two complimentary indicators – genomics and physical traits – that worked in her case:
“You need to purchase animals that not only have high genomics but ones that also are very correct in their physical traits.” Gary Hazeleger
Is spending every possible minute on farm work the best thing for your dairy business?
Is there room on your farm for work-life balance?
It seems logical that the more work you put into something, the more you will get out of it, right? If you work 80 hrs a week, you will surely make more money and be more successful than those less ambitious folks who are only investing 40 hours. That may be true for a certain amount of time but, eventually, it can actually have a negative effect on your cattle business and, even worse, on your life and those around you. Here are a few tips to help prevent the farm from taking over your life.
Where Have All the Weekends Gone?
Time was that farmers were the only ones tied down 24-7. Everyone else at least had weekends off. However the ongoing crises in the global economy and unreal lifestyle expectations have many people on a never-ending treadmill. Burn out no longer is that brush fire your mother started with her annual spring fence row cleanup. Today farmers have been joined by countless others who consider themselves to be tied to their job. The iPad, smart phones and other technological advances have expanded the working day until many are unable to distinguish between “ON” and “OFF”.
You CAN Miss a Milking
Observers of the modern day farm family have noticed that the younger generations do not have as much trouble getting away from the farm. They are more willing than their parents to take some personal time. We’ve all heard the stories of Dad or Grand-Dad (or Grandma too!) who “never missed a milking in forty years! It was a point of pride. Then, lo and behold, one day it happened that they did not make it to the barn. Surprisingly, the world didn’t actually stop turning. We can learn from their experience and, provided it isn’t a life-ending interruption, recognize that there’s no real harm done. Trusting someone else with chores is a good team building exercise. Continuity is a great thing but passing the baton to someone else builds pride, commitment and teamwork.
Back Away from the Barn
There is always work to be done on a farm. Mother Nature sees to that. It is up to you to find the time to be with others. Yes, this could mean working on the farm together but spouses or family members who work off the farm will appreciate it if you schedule your days in such a way that you can share some free time, when you both are not working. Sometimes farmers cheat on this and call all those community, sports and hobby commitments as “free” time. Having said that, even these are better than no time away from the farm at all.
Keep the Cows out of your living room, kitchen and bedroom!
It’s too easy to pull out the laptop while sitting and watching TV in the living room or catch up on emails at the kitchen table. Oops I’ll just take one more call before putting out the light. This can turn the entire house into your barn office and can easily lead to a never-ending stream of excuses for doing just one more minute.. one more … one more! That big sign on your barn or at the end of the lane announces to the world that you are endlessly accessible for sales calls, fix-it advice or even a neighbourly chat. All good in their own time and space, but not every incoming call needs to rise to the top of your priority list.
Preserve Your Private Time
Whatever time you establish as your time, make sure you don’t give it up. Let everyone know that there is a particular time that represents your time off. You will be more relaxed and the benefits to those around you will make everyone work to protect your personal time. The further removed from cattle breeding, the more your hobby will give you a boost. Take lessons to enhance one of your artistic talents, become a marathoner learn ham radio operation. The possibilities are endless.
Are You Having Fun Yet?
Granted raising animals, planting gardens and, even, building and repairing things are considered hobbies by some people. It isn’t what you’re doing that defines the hobby but whether or not it is a break from your daily routine. Many have taken up golfing and enjoy the opportunity to clear their heads for three or four hours. Fresh air, relaxation and time with friends and family – that’s not a “must do” but a “want to”. This is a grey area for those who love their chosen field and garden. The measure of a great hobby is that you come back to farm work refreshed.
Don’t feel guilty
Anyone descended from a long line of farmers has experienced the guilt when they take time away from the farm. You can always spot the farmers at vacation resorts or tourist towns. They’re the ones who are up at 5 a:m walking. Sure they’ll tell you they’re enjoying the sunrise or working up an appetite for breakfast but, just as often, they are feeling like fish out of water and not just a little bit guilty about the lazy beginning to each day. It’s okay not to work. Not working is actually beneficial. It gives you the ability to recharge and clear your mind. When you start to feel that guilt, immediately remind yourself that you need to separate from work and recharge so that you’re ready to go when you get back to work the next day or next week.
Know when to stop
There will always be barn checks, field work and repairs. Do you know when to stop working? Spend the entire evening not thinking about bills to pay, getting ready for a barn meeting or the drainage problem in the back forty. Leave that for tomorrow. You will do a better job of it in the morning. Stop and smell the flowers. It is important that you do this for yourself and, also, that you respect the time of the other farm suppliers you work with. Everyone does a better job when they are rested. Does it really make that big a difference if you call at 10 at night or early the next morning?
Have a “Cow Free” Time
It is hard not to share your passion for cows and, over time, the people you socialize with either share that passion or are interested in it because of their friendship with you. In farm families it can be quite easy to talk cows all the time. When you get into this habit you are cutting yourself off from being stimulated by something non-farm related. Actively seek out how other occupations are dealing with innovation, technology or whatever is the equivalent of the breakthrough of genomics. It is never a waste of time to hear about and be inspired by someone else’s passion for their work.
Make time to accomplish non-farm related goals
While it isn’t unreasonable to plan to farm well into your sunset years, it can be rewarding to establish non-farm goals as well. What you want to establish are your own choices. At the end of the day you want your options to be open and not to feel forced to either work when you don’t want to or to suddenly be forced to give up what has been your single focus in life. Farm – Life balance is the goal.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
If you learn how to turn your Farm Off, you will also learn how to turn your LIFE on! Strive for balance in all things!
British topper
During the dispersal sale of the British Moree herd, many great prices were noted. Top seller was Moree Bolton Marq I VG-87, in-calf to Numero Uno, and sold to the Lawder herd in Trillick for £5100. She was followed by Goldwyn daughter Moree Sweet, who went to Northern Ireland for £5000. (source:holsteinworld.com)
Northwest Illinois Spring Sizzler Averages $2512
The Northwest Illinois Holstein club held their annual Spring Sizzler Sale Friday, May 4th. The sale was at the Stephenson Co. Fairgrounds in Freeport, IL. The nice weather brought out many Northern IL and Southern WI breeders to see a very nice lineup of cattle sell. The sale achieved a $2512 average! (source: Holsteinworld.com)
Topping the sale at $11,000 was Lot 1- MS Alexis Colt Ali-ET, she is a 10/11 Polled RC Colt-P with a +1947GTPI x VG-86 VG-MS Shottle x EX-95 KHW Regiment APPLE-RED! She was consigned by Apple Partners and purchased by Joseph O’Callaghan of Ireland.
The second high seller at $4700 was a 12/12 Reality-Red x OCD Contender Lonnie-Red-ET VG-86, 1st milking yrlg Royal Winter Fair R&W Show 2011. She was consigned by Milksource Genetics and was purchased by Meier Meadows of Ridott, IL.
Third at $4300 was Lot 28 a fancy 4/11 Apples Absolute-Red heifer x Erbacres Advent Candy-Red VG-85 VG-MS, consigned by Kevin Erbsen. She was purchased by Rachel Koehn/K-Lane Farms of Peotone, IL.
Western Spring National Heritage Sale Averages $2,605
The Western Spring National Heritage Sale was held Thursday evening, May 17th in Richmond, UT in conjunction with the Western Spring National Holstein Show. (source: holsteinworld.com)
High seller at the sale at $6,400 was Lot 13 – Markwell Advent Darlie-ET, an EX *RC Advent daughter out of Markwell Luke Rapture (EX-92 4E GMD DOM) and her next dam is the legendary Markwell Bstar Raven-ET (EX-92 3E GMD DOM). Consigned by Andersen, Leak & Orisio, Darlie was purchased by Westcoast Holsteins of Chilliwack, BC.
2nd high seller was Lot 46 – Poelman Fever Roulette, a 5/11 Fever out of a GP-CAN Howie dam, then a VG Leduc, then three generations of EX-CAN dams. Roulette was 5th in the spring yearling class earlier in the day. Purchased by John Wallentine of Utah for $5,300, she was consigned by Kingsway and T & L Cattle of Rosedale, BC.
Lot 11 – EskDale Amberly Amanda-ET, a 1/12 Shamrock with 4/12 GTPI +2280 +700NM$ -.1DPR +5.4PL +2.86T sold for $5,100 – good for third high. Her VG-88 Shottle dam hails from the same maternal line as Golden-Oaks St Alexander. Consigned by EskDale Dairy of Utah, she sold to Adam Tripp of Utah.
High selling Jersey at $3,500 was Lot 41 – Hawarden Eclipes Pixie, a 6/11 Eclipes-P out of Hawarden Jace Pix (EX-94), then an EX-91 and EX-94 dams.
The recent announcement by Canadian Dairy Network, Holstein Canada, Pfizer Animal Health, The Semex Alliance and its owner partners to support delivery of genetic services to the Canadian dairy industry got me thinking about what the future holds for the dairy breeding industry. This alliance has me drawing parallels to what has occurred in the corn industry and the effects that had on consumers as well as producers.
While the announcement just covers the identification of genetic markers that has already revolutionized the dairy breeding industry, the part that catches my attention is a company the size of Pfizer entering into the marketplace. When Monsanto entered into the corn breeding industry, it not only became a competitor to the other established players but it also used its vast resources to take the process to a completely new level. While Monsanto had been a market leader for many years in the sale of herbicides this research gave them the ability to apply their expertise on the genetic level.
With Pfizer entering the genomics game, does that mean that we will start to see them offer their own genetics available for sale that have been bred or rather modified to be disease resistant or even worse modified to produce more milk, or have better feet and legs. If you thought the manipulation of photos to make cattle look better was an issue (read more here Has Photo Enhancement Gone Too Far), what happens when they can do it on the genomic level? While the practical side of me sees how having cattle that are more disease resistant, that is polled and milk 20,000 kgs, for 10+ lacations would be beneficial, the breeder in me has concerns. Part of what makes animal breeding great is the fact that it’s an art form. What happens when that art form is handed over to science?
One thing that you will know for sure is that the sale of animal genetics will become a commoditized market place dominated by the big players such as Pfizer, Monsanto, and other multinational conglomerates. While there is no question that these conglomerates will dominate over the average breeder, they will also dominate over the current major A.I. companies. It has me asking myself “Is this move by Semex a step in building a partnership because they see the future coming?” If so good on them for at least being proactive and at least trying to sustain their long-term viability.
If it’s more by chance, as I think it is, I think the whole industry needs to look at what the future holds and maybe have a wakeup call to where this is all heading. Animal breeding is becoming big business, as evidenced by companies like Select Sires that have expanded their breeding programs to include owning females (read more about this at Should A.I. Companies Own Females?). As the ability to deliver predictable results at a lower cost of development continues, larger and larger companies will enter the marketplace and begin to dominate the current players.
In the past, dairy cattle breeding has benefited from great moves, such as happened when T.B. Macauley, an insurance executive, started Montvic, when J. Rockafeller Prentice, from oil and banking fame, started A.B.S. and, likewise, when Peter Heffering, using outside industry investors, collected great cows and started Hanover Hill Holsteins.
There is also the consumer side to this equation. We all witnessed consumer reaction to the use of rBST. Over time while there has remained a small portion of the marketplace that actively buys non-rBST milk. However, for the most part the issue has died off. In the same way, the GMO corn issue has died off and much of the general public is not even aware that it exists. Thus, there may be uproar as this “new technology” enters the marketplace, however, in time, the result will be the same for this commoditized product. As long as the cost to consumer is lower, they will buy it.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
On the one hand, Thanks to genomics, the future of the animal breeding industry has never look brighter. On the other hand, it also may be facing its greatest risk. Genomics has taken animal breeding from an art form to a science. Furthermore, science will continue to define and refine the process. With companies like Pfizer entering the marketplace this process will be accelerated at a completely new pace. Those players that have the most resources available will also dominate it. This means that the average breeder, as well as the current A.I. companies, need to realistically consider what the future holds as this happens.
So my question to you is, are you ready for GMC (Genetically Modified Cattle)?
For years, there has been talk about polled genetics and their advantages, but, for the most part, they remain a niche market. This has me asking if polled genetics are like unicorns. Are they living in a fantasy world?
Breeders have known about the advantages for years and yet they have not endorsed using polled genetics in any significant way. While not having to dehorn your calves has economic advantages, many breeders see that job as just part of their routine and so don’t make getting rid of it a high priority. This, despite the fact that , one mating to a polled sire results in a minimum 50% hornless calves and could be 100%, if the bull is homozygous polled. These are much quicker results than breeding to get a red calf, for instance.
Why haven’t breeders adopted polled genetics?
Like any marketplace, producers must meet the demands of the consumer. When consumers wanted hormone free milk, or organic milk, producers followed. Until it becomes a pressing issue to consumers producers will not be forced to change. At this point, despite the fact that organizations such as PETA try their best to make this an issue, it has not gained significant market awareness.
Should breeders care?
Even though consumers have not yet cried out for change, that does not mean they won’t in the future. Much like tail docking, once consumers do gain awareness, they are sure to cry foul. When developing your breeding program, it’s not only about supplying the genetics that the market needs today, but also looking to the future. Similar to breeding for higher feed conversion (to read more check out Holstein vs. Jersey: Which Breed Is More Profitable?), you need to think about where the market is heading. Concerns about animal welfare as well as employee welfare are sure to become more prevalent in the future.
Are there any polled genetics worth using?
For many years, breeding for Red and White Holstein cattle or Polled genetics meant that you had to take a “discount” on the genetics. That was because there just wasn’t the same level of genetics available, when compared to the non-polled options. However, with recent increases in popularity, as well as the ability to get a polled son from a top genomic cow, there are now some great polled genetics available to most breeders. Even the major A.I. companies have started to see the demand and are sourcing polled bulls.
How can you tell if your calf is a polled carrier?
There are no such things as Unicorns or Polled Carriers! Polled is a dominant trait. Simply put, an animal only needs one polled gene for it to be expressed. Animals with horns do not have the polled gene. When the dominant gene is present you will see the trait expressed.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
While polled genetics seem like a niche market, and you`re not sure if it is for your breeding program, you always need to keep an eye on the future. That means not only looking for what potential buyers of your genetics want, but also what future consumers will dictate. . With the growing supply of top genomic polled bulls, as well as the relative ease to achieve a polled calf, it’s becoming harder and harder for breeders to ignore polled Holsteins in their breeding programs.
There is no question that strong maternal bloodlines are the foundation of any good breeding program. But what top female possesses the best bloodlines and what bloodlines are the ones to watch in the future? In order to determine this, we looked at the top GPTI, GLPI, Polled, and Red cows and heifers. The following is our analysis.
Top GTPI Cows
Leading the way is LADYS-MANOR PL SHAKIRA VG-85 2YR-USA is also a full sister to the #1 Genomic Sire in the breed, Ladys-Manor Shamrock. She and her full sister LADYS-MANOR PL SHANDRA-ET VG-85-2YR-USA, who is #4 on the list, are from the seventh generation bull mother, Ladys-Manor Ruby D Shawn. The most impressive sire stack on the list (#6) goes to SULLY PLANET MONTANA-ET whose sire stack of Planet x Shottle x Justice x BW Marshall leads the way. Montana is also the most genomically gifted on the list, just slightly edging out the extremely popular genomic bull mother Shakira and AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA-ET.
Planet daughters dominate the list occupying the top 17 spots and 23 of the top 25. Topping the list is COMESTAR LAUTAMIRE PLANET who is from the Laurie Sheik family. She combines a solid sire stack and genomic values with a maternal power that is the Laurie Sheik’s trademark. The most impressive sire stack on the list goes to the SULLY SHOTTLE MAY daughter SULLY PLANET 935-ET VG-86-2YR-CAN who combines Planet x Shottle x Oman x BW Marshall. When it comes to genomically gifted, none can top ALEXERIN OMAN 993. This Justice daughter has DGV LPI of +3395, which is almost 2000 LPI points higher than her parent average.
Setting the pace is KHW SHAMROCK ARALYN. This Shamrock daughter is from the popular RC bull dam KHW Goldwyn Aiko VG-89-USA and is among 6 Shamrock daughters to top the list. In fact, the top three spots are all trace back to Kamps-Hollow Altitude-ET EX-95-USA 2E DOM, who has had every bull she put into stud return to active service and is also the dam of the 2010 World Red Holstein Champion, KHW Regiment Apple-Red. This family has dominated the Red and White scene, demonstrating that they can get it done in the show ring as well as with genomics. The genomic leader of the list is CURR-VALE OBSERVER DELTA-ET. This Observer daughter traces back to Pineyvale Outside Apple another cow family that has it all, type, numbers and red factor. The strongest sire stack on the list belongs to MD-HARMONY SMRK CHRIS V1-E, Shamrock X Gold Chris X Shottle.
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Top GTPI Polled Females USA
There seems to be nothing more popular these days than polled genetics (read They’re Sold On Polled) and, with that, the demand for genetics from chart topper VER-HAGES TNT SABLE-P-ET could not be higher. This daughter from the Glen-Drummond Splendor family possesses an impressive sire stack – Shamrock x Lawn Boy x Lou – with strong genomic values. The only member of the list to surpass Sable-P for genomics is HICKORYMEA MANOMAN OPINE-P who also poses the most impressive sire stack on the: list Man-O-Man x Shottle x Bosco.
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Top Genomic Females in the U.S.
Shamrock daughters dominate the list with 18 daughters of the top 25 being sired by this outstanding son of Ladys-Manor Ruby D Shawn. Leading the way is a pair of Shamrock full sisters from the Genomic powerhouse herd De-Su. In the number one spot is DE-SU 1438-ET followed by DE-SU 1439-ET at #2 and not to be forgotten is DE-SU 1451-ET who is #6 on the list all from the popular genomic family Clear-Echo Hershl D Rac-822. In fact it’s 1451 that possesses the highest genomic values in the family. This family has proven to be genomic giants and, with these members topping the list, demand just continues to grow. Of interesting note is the 4 animals on the list owned by Select Sires (S-S-I SHAMROCK MENNA7392-ET, S-S-I SHAMROCK MAGIC7368-ET, S-S-I MOGUL MAYHEM 7963-ET, S-S-I SNOW MALENA 7514-ET) demonstrating this AI center’s strong desire to produce their own genetics (for more read Should A.I. Companies Own Females).
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Top GLPI Heifers
Similar to the US list, the CDN list is also topped by a pair of full sisters, Velthuis SG Snow Event and Velthuis S G Snow Evening. These Snowman daughters are from the Whittier-Farms Lead Mae family who has 6 daughters in the top 25. Event and Evening are from the extremely popular bull mother Calbrett Planet Eve VG-CAN-2YR. In fact, it’s interesting to note that 16 of the top 25 females come from three main families, (Lead Mae, Lila Z and Gypsy Grand). The Event and Evening sire stack of SNOWMAN X PLANET X SHOTTLE is also the highest on the list. With a DGV LPI of 4406, the split embryo sisters Event and Evening are also the highest genomic females on the list.
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The Bullvine Bottom Line
No matter how you look at it, when marketing top females, it comes down to their genes. Whether you are looking at LPI or TPI, genomics has put the spotlight on the females that truly have the best genes.
Ask successful dairy breeders how they got where they are and, chances are, many of them will cite a mentor. Did they seek them out or did they realize they had one after the fact? Probably, it was a little bit of both. Having said that, there is nothing preventing you from seeking a mentor who could help you make the most of your opportunities.
“This is the Way We Have Always Done It!”
While you can’t foresee everything that might have an impact on the smooth running of your dairy cattle business, there are a few things that you can learn from the good – and bad – experiences of those who have gone before you. Yes, I included “bad.” Truth be told, you can sometimes learn more from your mistakes than from the relatively smooth successes that happen day to day. Let’s suppose for a moment that there is nothing particularly wrong with your operation. Is it exceptional? Would you like it to be? One way to move from ho-hum to humming along the path to success is to get a mentor who has already travelled, overcome problems, and succeeded on that path.
Mentors Are All Around You
It isn’t surprising that people in the dairy industry make great mentors. Even those you may not have a long relationship with. When well-known classifier Tom Byers first arrived in Canada, he would not have foreseen the mentors who would help him along his career path. He speaks about the classification job that had been posted at the time. “The ad had been in the Holstein Journal for a couple of months and I had not applied as I thought I would not stand a chance being an immigrant. Glen Broadworth and Keith Heron, who were classifiers that came to Flettdale, where I was renting the farm, encouraged me to call Murray Hunt the Breed Improvement Manager at that time. I did. Murray said the applications window for the position was closed but he had heard about me and he would invite me to attend the hiring workshop. I did.” That was the beginning of three great mentoring relationships that impacted Tom’s career.
Seek People Who Share your Passion
Byers also points out that shared enthusiasm is a great way to meet your best mentors. He points to two other mentors he also appreciated having in his corner: Maurice Jebson of Elmcroft and Neil Rains of Raivue. These men shared and encouraged his enthusiasm. “I had a love and passion for the Canadian Holstein cow which had brought me here from Scotland with my wife and three kids. Talk about Holstein crazy. When we landed in Toronto, it was blowing a blizzard and my wife Elizabeth looked at me and said, ‘What have you brought me to?’ I first worked at Paperman Farm in Woodstock then I rented Flettdale farm from Bob Flett and it was from there that I moved to Holstein Canada.” And as they say, “The rest is history.”
Learn from People who are Successful at What You Want to Do
Brian Carscadden judging the 2011 Royal passing some advice to David Crack Jr.
Perhaps your interests lie in the direction of cattle judging. Brian Carscadden attests to the importance of having an encouraging mentor to learn from. Speaking personally, he shares his experience. “I have had a few mentors. Callum McKinven is one who gives young fitters a chance to work with his cattle and then promotes them as a judge down the road. He did that with me.” Brian also feels that good mentors can be as close as the person that you are working with. He feels that way about Mike Deaver. “I had the chance to be an associate judge with him. He’s considered a great judge. It was a tremendous experience for my confidence.” Carscadden feels there have been many mentors who impacted the recognition and success he has earned as a judge of Holstein cattle. “Lowell Lindsay hired me out of school. He is one of the great judges of all time. I was able to work side by side and learn from him. Even though Lowell was not trying to teach, there were always things to learn.” It is important to have a good mentor. It is even more important to be a good mentoree.
Take a Close Look at Your Own Family
Sometimes you don’t have to go very far to find mentors that will guide you to dairy breeding success. Len Vis of Mapelwood Farms Inc found his first mentors in his own family. “My brothers and Dad always thought of an animal as an investment. Back in the days of WOBI they would say, ‘I can sell four bulls from this animal, therefore she’s worth about $25,000. They always knew what studs would most likely buy a son.” These lessons have stuck with Len and are part of the foundation he has built his herd upon. Family continues to be a sounding board for him.
Speaking personally, family can be a rich source of mentoring. Currently, the Hunt family has a geneticist, a writer, a chief operating officer, a nutritionist and a serial entrepreneur. The bonus is that, although different, each of these careers is connected to agriculture – specifically the dairy industry. It would be foolish, if any one of us totally ignored the others in seeking to broaden our perspective, goals, or problem-solving abilities. Do we mentor each other? Yes. No. Some more than others. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the in-laws include a psychiatrist, a project organizer, and an ergonomist. If we can name the problem, we can solve it. At the very least, we are a great network for pointing each other to the people who know the answers. That’s exactly what you want mentors to do.
Listen More. Talk Less.
To find a mentor, you need to listen a lot. A good mentor helps you think things through and provides the experience and savvy you’re missing. You’ll get praise when you deserve it and a heads-up when trouble comes — probably long before you would have noticed it yourself. Patty Jones feels that this was a characteristic of her mentor, Bob Miller. He asked her if she had ever thought about cattle photography and forty years later she still loves her chosen field. “Bob was a great man to be involved with. He let you make mistakes. He did not berate. You had a discussion with him and you always learned something and grew to be better because of it.” There is nothing better than a mentor who encourages your own ideas. Patty learned this from Bob too. “He taught the importance of trusting your instincts. He gave me the freedom to shape ideas that didn’t always work. Real achievement first requires that you have the courage to fail.”
THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE
Developing a profitable dairy cattle business is a lot of work, stress, and responsibility but you don’t have to go it alone. Put together a power team of mentors with a variety of skills to guide you along the way. There are co-workers, friends, family and industry experts who will gladly help you use your limited time and resources to the best effect. It`s up to you to take advantage of the most powerful weapon a dairy breeder can have. Find a mentor! Do it now.
There has been growing popularity in TAG Sales and for good reason. TAG Sales offer benefits to breeders, buyers and sale management. While there are many similarities to traditional sales, there are also many ways that TAG Sales work much better. To get a better understanding read the following article about why TAG Sales are growing so quickly in popularity.
What Makes a TAG Sale Special
At first glance, a TAG Sale may look just like a traditional sale since the cattle are all clipped and trained, but, in reality, there are some major differences. The following are some of the key advantages of a TAG Sale:
TAG sales are typically 1 week long compared to an auction that lasts 2-3 hours
The longer time frame gives both the seller and the buyer a chance to talk and potential buyers are able to gain confidence in their choice. Instead of having to make split second decisions as you are forced to in a traditional auction situation.
Buyer does not have to sell if they don’t want to
I am sure there have been many times breeders have bought back their animal after a public auction (adding a new name to the pedigree temporarily) and even more times when breeders wish they had, TAG Sales give the breeders a chance to think about the offered price and make sure they are comfortable with it before agreeing to the sale. Frank Donkers of Fradon Farms points out “Being able to communicate with the buyer throughout the process is a huge plus.”
Expert Advice
Many times at an auction when you are trying to decide if that heifer is good, great, or not for you, you are all alone. As Jeff Stephens who has run many successful TAG Sales points out, the sales staff can help you by guiding you through the pros and cons. While this may sound like a great opportunity for them to push the sales, many of these individuals know that, giving the correct advice, even if it costs them the sale, is far better than the wrong advice that tarnishes their name. These individuals are asked to work these sales for good reason. They have built a strong name that breeders know they can trust. They are not going to risk it for a quick buck.
Diamond in the rough
While many of us have run the roads, hoping to find that diamond in the rough, show calf, or next great 2 year old. It is not as easy as it sounds. TAG Sales give a group of breeders an opportunity to get their cattle all in one place and have them washed, clipped, and trained to show them off to the best of their potential. This not only helps maximize the sale price but also helps build buyer confidence. As Barclay Phoenix, of Hanover Hill Sales and Marketing, points out “The worst case scenario is that for a couple of hundred bucks you get your heifer washed, show clipped and trained,” If that is the worst that happens, it is still a great deal.
Taste of Ontario - Lineup
What Makes a TAG Sale Successful
Running a TAG sale can be a little different as well. While it takes all the same marketing and promotion, Jeff Stephens, of Stephens Genetics, points out the following key things to remember:
It Starts with a Great Line-Up
It’s important that you try to get some animals that will attract all markets. Whether it’s genomics, local or state caliber show cattle, 4-H projects it’s important to have a strong lineup that can drive attention from many markets.
A Great Crew is a Must
From the crew that is fitting the cattle to the sales staff, it’s important to get the best. Since a TAG sale is designed to help build breeder confidence, make sure that you have a crew that is well respected and well connected. As Frank Donkers has learned, “Surround yourself with hard working people. That will make your sale a success.”
Schedule it around an event
In order to have a successful sale, it’s very important to make sure you have a draw in your area that will bring breeders. This can be a major show, meeting, bus tour, or even another auction. Many times two auctions in the same area at relatively the same time are great for both.
A Happy Crowd is a Buying Crowd
Stephens points out that it’s critical to make sure that you provide the best hospitality possible. A crowd that is comfortable, relaxed, and feeling good is far more likely to spend top dollar than those who are afraid to even talk to the other attendees. Dairy breeders are very social so make sure your TAG Sale is as well.
Price them to Sell
No one likes dealing with breeders who want twice as much as an animal is worth. This is where great sales management can help. They can advise you regarding the going price in the market and help you get a realistic understanding of what you can get for your animal.
Fradon Select Tag Sale
The Bullvine Bottom Line
TAG Sales offer breeders a great opportunity to move some cattle as well as build their name. As Frank Donkers points out, “We have learned not to be afraid to take a chance and do something that you haven’t done before. Don’t be afraid to promote your herd in a different way. Make sure that you have confident and positive advice on how to run a TAG Sale. (which we had with Jeff Stephens). His experience with managing TAG Sales was invaluable to the success that our event obtained.”
It takes a team to make a TAG Sale a success. Assemble the best team you can and your sale if sure to be a profitable!
Check out our upcoming events tab for the next TAG sale near you.
Ocean-View
During the Dispersal sale of Ocean-View in the US State of California, no less than 600 Holsteins were sold in the one day.
$15,200 – Lot 2447 Ocean-View Allen Zmora-ET EX-92 (Allen X Mandel Zandra) Buyer: Nunes, Mongini, Herzog, Deerfield, WI
$15,000 – Lot 2759 Ocean-View Gold Sheen VG-87 2yr (Goldwyn X Outside Sheen EX-91) Buyer: Legend Dairy Farms, Chino, CA
$14,250 – Lot 2785 Ocean-View Gold Roxette-ET VG-87 2yr (Goldwyn X Roy Roxann EX-91) Buyer: Kisst Dairy, Ripon, CA
Run for The Roses
In Kentucky (US), the Run for The Roses Sale reached an average of $4814 over 93 animals sold.
High seller on the day at $20,200 was Calbrett Pronto Lovely (VG-87-2YR-CAN), a 3-year-old Pronto fresh again at the end of March out of Calbrett Goldwyn Lyndsey (VG-87-CAN), then EX-94 Lylehaven Lila Z. Consigned by Crasdale Farms and T&L Cattle Ltd of PEI, Lovely was purchased by Dan Hovden of Iowa.
Second high on the day was Lot 1 at $20,000 – a 12/11 Windbrook or choice of five more Windbrooks due in September out of Harvue Roy Frosty (EX-96 2E), two-time Supreme Champion at World Dairy Expo. Kevin Jimerson of Kentucky is the new owner and the calf was consigned by Duckett, Junemann and Armbrust.
Lot 3 – $17,000 – Morsan Miss Allure-ET, Mar’11 Damion x Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy-ET EX-95 All-American and All-Canadian 5-Year-Old in 2011 Buyer: KY Bluegrass Genetics, KY
RSC-CH Spring Showcase Sale Averages $3,565
Hosts Chris Honslo and Jim Stoutjesdyk graciously welcomed Holstein enthusiasts from near and far to their dairy in Maurice, IA on Friday May 4, 2012 for the RSC-CH Spring Showcase Sale. Kicking off Thursday evening with cattle viewing and a prime-rib meal sponsored by Select Sires, the excitement continued into Friday where the sale achieved an average of $3,565!
Topping the sale was Lot 10- Rockport-View Shmk Palin-ET GTPI +2411. Palin is November 2011 Shamrock daughter of Rockport-View Socrate Palin VG-87 that goes back to the Debbie Jo family. She was consigned by Jim Vierhout & Jim Stoutjesdyk and purchased by Sexing Technologies for $21,000.
Second high seller was Lot 1- hot off her win at Wisconsin Spring Show, RSC-CH Advent Rene-Red-ET VG-87. She is a Jr. 3-year-old Advent from Jen-D Talent Raeanna-Red EX-91 who is a show winner herself walking away with the Grand Champion title of the 2011 Minnesota State Fair Red & White Show.
$11,200 – Lot 4- RSC-CH Kite Reza-ET VG-85, a Kite out Jen-D Talent Raeanna-Red EX-91 who was Junior Champion at the Southern National in 2011
$10,500 – Lot 14- MS Brandys Bethany-ET *RC GTPI +2243, a Bookem out of MS Apple Brandy then Apple herself
In a world that seems to never stop changing, it used to be that the single-family dairy farm offered a bastion of security from the volatility of rest of the world. However, with dairy farms getting larger and breeding programs becoming genetic organizations, it raises the question, is the typical dairy farm dying?”
There once was a time where a 30 cow-milking herd could produce enough milk to cover the bills and run a solid breeding program that would sell high quality young stock to pay for life’s extras. I don’t see that today. However, I do see one or two other significant things that are happening.
Genetic Sales are Drying Up
New technologies such as IVF and sexed semen and tools such as genomics have created an abundance of top genetics available. This has caused a drastic reduction in the demand for mid-level cattle. Gone are those sales of $20,000 and $30,000 for a nice pedigreed 2 yr. old that might win the state or local show. That used to be the money that, for many breeders, paid for the kids’ education or purchased the new truck.
Today’s genetic marketplace now has a go big or go home mentality. You either have a cow or heifer at the top of the list, or you might as well not bother. While there are some programs that have found their breeding niche, such as polled or Red carriers, for the most part, the strong pedigreed, maybe not top index, cow families are now finding it hard to get the much-needed return on investment that is required to run their breeding programs.
With the increase in the amount of money these top animals are demanding, there has also been an increase in what I like to call “Genetic Companies.” No longer are individual dairy breeders flushing a few cows to increase the genetics of their own herd and then selling some breeding stock to help pay the bills. This end of the business is now handled by conglomerates or even corporations complete with marketing and genetics staff. They are run with total focus on the bottom line and much greater resources than the average breeder can compete with.
But wait! With all this change, money, and growth, where is the dead part of the dairy industry?
The Next Generation Is Not Staying Home
Maybe it’s the cost of entry or maybe it’s that the lifestyle does not suit many of today’s youth but more and more it seems like these highly talented young people are heading elsewhere to apply their talents. As the average dairy farm has had to grow in numbers it has also meant that the cost to start or take over such an operation has gotten very costly. What other industry, relies on the next generation for survival? If you can answer this question, you will know what the family farm needs to do to survive too!
The typical new dairy operation is no longer 30-40 head milking herd, but rather your 100+ plus dairy operation, here the name of the game is operating efficiency and profitability. This is a much-needed change. Having said that, it is not so easy for many operations to go from a lifestyle choice to a company. It also has a huge impact on the next generation who are considering entering into dairy farming and taking on the necessary debt.
As the world has gone through a credit crisis, getting financing to start your dairy operation has gotten harder and harder. For many talented and hardworking youth, their paths have been drawn to other industries where they can apply their efforts with more financial reward and less risk.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
If you asked if the stereotypical dairy farm is dead? My answer would be a resounding, “Absolutely yes!” As I watch many of the breeders I idolized growing up who focused on breeding generation after generation of foundation cattle now enter their retirement age, and their children are not there to take over the family operation, it makes me wonder where the future is?
The answer I am finding is, dairy farming is now not simply “big business” but, more accurately, “bigger business.” Through technology we are seeing production operations that have grown to sizes I could have never imagined. Add to this, the more recent dramatic changes in genetics programs and dairy-farming 21st century style, looks very different from it did 20 or 30 years ago. Is all this change bad? No, in reality change is good. The key piece is that the dairy farmers of tomorrow must keep the passion for working with and breeding great cattle, and we must find a way to keep the next generation involved. With that one piece from the past, the industry we all know and love has a very bright future. From the science of insemination, to machine and robotic milking to genetic analysis we never dreamed of, the dairy farm is not only surviving but thriving!
Are you having troubles getting your ads noticed? Does the money you spend on advertising your herd actually generate you money? These are just some of the questions many breeders have to consider when they are thinking about how, where and when to place ads for their farms in the major publications like Holstein World, Holstein International and Holstein Journal.
Dairy breeders are busier than ever and you only have a few seconds to make an impression with your ad. You need to have attention-grabbing design that reaches out and draws readers in. The following are 5 things to consider when designing your next ad.
Contrast is Good
Space is at a premium for any print ad. How do you get your fellow breeder’s attention when working with such little room? With so much to say and so little room many breeders try to cram in as much text as possible and as many different animals as they can. White space is also an important element to include in your ad. White space is essentially empty space. While it may seem to be a waste of precious space in so small an area, white space actually will make your ad clearer and more easily understood. Remember that, although you are trying to squeeze in all your information, a solid block of text won’t be read at all. Plus, if your ad is clean and uncluttered, it will literally jump off the page when it’s surrounded by ads that are not.
Placing any type in all capitals is generally a bad idea as well. Text in all capitals has little contrast, as all the letters are the same height. Studies show that people’s brains process text written in lower case letters much better. In fact, the brain processes familiar words partly by the shape they form when written in lower case letters. By using all capitals, you slow your reader down, making it less likely he or she will actually read and comprehend your ad. Also, although there are thousands of fonts available now, it is still important to remember to use only one or two in an ad. Too many typefaces can distract the reader and make your ad difficult to read.
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
There is no question that a picture draws readers in. Instead of just a boring side shot, try to get different angles of your cattle. Three quarter rear shots are great at grabbing attention. Show multiple angles of your cow, in order to gain maximum attention.
The best ads use images that are interesting and large! As a general rule, your graphics should take up at least a quarter of your available space and can go up from there. Small graphics are distracting to your readers and do not have enough interest to draw a reader into the ad.
(To learn more check out our interview with the best in the business, Patty Jones, about how to get the perfect picture).
Balancing Act
Just as it is with a great dairy cow, balance is very important. This doesn’t mean you necessarily have to center everything in your ad. In fact, it is often more interesting to place elements of your ad aligned all to the right or all to the left. Try to get balance from strategically placing elements such as cattle images, graphics, type, and logos in such a way that your ad flows well and is balanced across the space. If one side is heavy in type, place a large cow picture or logo on the other side. Most people read ads in a kind of reversed “S” pattern. That is, they scan an ad beginning at the top left and end up down at the bottom right. It is helpful to remember this pattern when you are laying out your ad.
When considering placing your ad, it’s important to know what type of market you are speaking to. Each of the major magazines caters to different geographic marketplaces, which have different interests. When advertising in Holstein Journal focus on LPI, and type; in Holstein World, TPI and overall production, and Holstein International look for health traits and unique features like polled or Red factor.
Call to Action
When designing your ad, don’t forget the main purpose of the ad—to sell! You have to give the reader a clear path to take. This can be as simple as remembering to place a phone number in a prominent place in the ad. Alternatively, it can be more detailed and can include such elements as a web address or social media page. This should be both the starting and ending point of your print ad design. Know before you start what your objective is, and end by critically examining your ad to make sure that it meets that goal.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
The dairy genetics market is as hot as it has ever been. However, now more than ever, you need to get your breeding program known. One of the great ways to do that is magazine advertising. Magazine advertising represents a large portion of many breeders’ promotional budgets. It is no longer enough just to advertise. To attract the buyers you’re seeking, your ad must stand out and get attention.
The longer you are in the dairy business, the more convinced you will become that, even though this is a cow business, it depends on people and the relationships that are built over time. For thirteen years, Bruce Smith developed a successful export business built on his relationship with the people at Genetics Hokkaido. When he retired from the business, he passed the torch to Mark Butz, of Butz-Hill Exports in Iowa. Mark tells how it came about. “Bruce Smith approached me several years ago about taking over as he wanted to retire. I was busy with Dairy Consulting Services; a nutritional consultant business that I had started, and didn’t feel I had the time to devote to both. Two years ago Bruce asked again and I decided to back off the nutrition business and take it on. I had met Tommy Araki and felt comfortable that he and I could build a relationship and continue to do business in the same manner as before.”
Learning from the Best
Good friendships and good partnerships are built on trust. Such was the case with Mark and Bruce. “Bruce of course was more than a friend and business associate, I had over the years sold many embryos to Bruce and he had always conducted business in a fair, precise and honorable way. When we started working on transferring the embryo business, I got to know Bruce as the extraordinary person he was. His great mind, keen wit and willingness to explain the rationale behind decisions made him very dear to me on personal level. I sought out Bruce’s advice on many things and he (and Laura) were always very helpful.” When Bruce passed away, it was difficult for everybody. “Bruce’s death hit me very hard.” says Mark. “It also hit Tommy hard and through that experience Tommy and I became closer. In a way, Bruce still guides me. Rarely do you find someone that lives their life with such dutiful purpose and strives to do the right things. Bruce did.”
Japan is a Traditional Marketplace
In Japan, breeders like the same things that Canadian breeders look for. Mark sums up his perspective on the Japanese marketplace. “Japan to me is like stepping back somewhat in the Holstein business in the US 30 years ago. You see many tie stall herds, pack housing for heifers and now they are starting to expand with freestall/parlor operations. Input costs are high because much of the feed has to be imported.” He sees the Japanese dairymen are much like registered breeders anywhere, “They want good cows with deep pedigrees from proven sire stacks that will thrive in their environment. Longevity and high production with good components are valued where land resources are scarce.” Examples of what has been sourced for the market are: Chassity, Barbie, Ashlyn, Atlee along with many national show winners embryos and daughters’ embryos. Of course the list includes the Lyla-Z and Missy families and Lotto, Zita and Lyster Lyndsay as well as many others.
Impact of Genomics
Genomics is affecting the dairy business globally. In Japan Mark sees the effects. “Genomics are starting to make a play right now. Some breeders are asking for higher caliber cow families and high genomic young sires and I think that trend will grow.” This is sending small ripples through Mark’s business. “While many things remain the same as before, with the genomics taking off some cow families are rising because of that and others are losing ground. I suppose it is a natural change.” He advises breeders to do their homework and study what the market is looking for. He has a special message for Canadian breeders. “In many ways you are better positioned to take advantage of the market then we are in the States. Your steady milk market moderates the income risk of genomics. It is a tremendous opportunity to capitalize on the market.”
What sells?
Mark is eager to show his view of the market in Japan. “Show embryos will always sell as breeders are passionate about the show ring in Japan. Genomics are playing as well as sexed semen and embryos from good maternal lines and popular sire stacks. There seems to be a market for cheap embryos as well. Years ago we got away with flushing popular heifers because of the cow family. Today, she has to be an exceptional individual as well.”
Promote! Promote! Promote!
Gone are the days when Canadian genetics practically sold themselves. It is a competitive global marketplace and Mark urges breeders to do their part in successful selling. “Keep current pictures and production as well as classification records up to date. Tommy sells to his customers based on the information he receives from us so the more complete it is the better the sale. If you get a bad picture, retake it. Sexed embryos sell 2x better that non-sexed. use popular bulls.” This is great advice but he doesn’t stop there. “Call and we can discuss what you need.” Teamwork is an important part of the promotion process. You’ve heard it before, but Mark hammers it home again. “Anything is better than nothing. Provide pictures, videos, anything you’ve got.” Buyers in Japan want to see the best pictures you’ve got. They are up on the latest show winners and are “all over that cow family” says Mark. “You need to have outstanding pictures.”
The Bullvine Bottom Line
When you’re looking to export to Japan you need three things:
For years, Jersey breeders have touted their high fertility rates, calving ease, and greater milk solids than Holsteins as a viable alternative to Holstein breeders looking to increase their profits. A recent Holstein International article, Feed Conversion: Building a More Efficient Engine, adds another item to the list, feed conversion.
Jersey the More Efficient Engine
A recent research paper in the Journal for Dairy Science compared the input requirements of two different production systems, Holsteins and Jerseys to produce a given amount of cheese. In their research of over 13,000 herds spread across 45 states, Dr. Jude Capper and Dr. Roger Caddy found that it would take 109 Jerseys to produce the same amount of cheese as 100 Holsteins. What they also found was that they would have just 74% of the body mass and produce 81% of the milk volume, 80% of the Green House Gases and would only require 68% of the water and 89% of the land requirements. So in essence Jerseys would be more efficient at producing the same amount of cheese.
In their article, Holstein International also points out another Dairy Science paper published last year that looked at feed intake studies for 4 breed groups: Holstein, Holstein x Jersey, Jersey x Holstein and Jersey where all cows were fed the same ration, were housed in the same type of pens and were milked together. The results found that Holstein had the highest intake and the highest production yield. However, Jersey converted a higher percentage of their intake to production than Holstein did.
Item
Holstein
HJ
JH
Jersey
Intake
9,813
9,309
9,487
7,969
Growth
669 (6.8%)
599 (6.4%)
496 (5.2%)
334 (4.2%)
Maintenance
1,666 (27.25)
2,468 (26.5%)
2,425 (25.6%)
2,085 (26.2)
Pregnancy
27 (0.3%)
32 (0.3%)
33 (0.3%)
21 (0.3%)
Production
5,968 (60.8%)
6,057 (65.1%)
6,162 (65.0%)
5,259 (66.0%)
New Zealand Leading the Way
As the dairy industry moves away from focusing solely on overall production and starts to focus more on the overall profitability of their farming operations, key metrics like feed conversion are sure to gain increased importance in breeding programs. Similar to how Scandinavian countries lead the way with Health traits, countries like New Zealand are leading the way by using body weight as an indicator of feed intake and making it apart of the Breeding Worth (BW) index. Countries such as Australia have also started to incorporate weight into their national indexes by using type classification data as a predictor of body weight. While body weight in time may not be the best measure of efficiency, it is what is currently available. One of the interesting findings was that even under the New Zealand system the cows are getting larger, though at a slower than expected rate.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
It is clear that the dairy industry is moving towards producing a more profitable cow. With low heritable health traits already gaining a great deal of focus, it only makes sense that the next step will include efficiency. For many Holstein breeders this may be a wake up call that they need. In the same way that other industries first focused on overall production and then had to put more focus on efficiency, dairy producers now have to do the same. For many breeders this may mean either cross-breeding with the more efficient Jersey bloodlines or putting greater focus on efficiency in their breeding programs. Never forget for one moment that feed costs represent 55% of the inputs on a dairy operation. Efficiencies gained here can be significant. It’s no longer about who can produce the most, it is about who can produce the most with the least cost.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there was a silver bullet that could magically improve fertility in your dairy herd? Unfortunately, that wonderful product hasn’t come down the pipeline yet.
What Rates are we Talking About?
When you look at today’s progressive herds you have approximately 60 days to 120 days to get them in calf after calving. Rates vary from herd to herd from a low of 10% to a high of 30%. This sounds low. However you must consider that any dairy cow that has calved is now milking and getting pregnant is not high on her body’s energy use agenda. First she must maintain her own nervous system, then feed her young (produce milk), build up her own body reserves, and then, and only then, does reproduction get taken care of.
Improved Pregnancy Rates are Up to You
According to recent research there are three primary factors affecting pregnancy rates: nutrition, environment and management. This means that you have the opportunity to affect your own success in this area. First let’s take a look at the big picture.
What Traits Pay the Bills?
The primary incentive in the dairy breeding business is to be successful and there are many variables that go into that success. When using any management tool, you seek repeatable results. Reliability rates of male and, even more so, female fertility ratings are low. What this tells you is that you must work first and foremost with the traits that pay the bills, like milk, fat, udders, feet and legs, somatic cell scores and productive life. It is counterproductive to place an overriding emphasis on only one area. Remember Grandma’s old saying, “Everything works together for good.” Looking at fertility measures is best considered only after you have reached the point where primary selection traits between bulls you are considering are equal. Then you might consider raising fertility a point or two. So where do you start? With fertility? With conception? With pregnancy rates?
QUESTION OF THE DAY: Why does it matter?
Once you have posed that question, ask yourself what you could do with five or six more healthy calves out of the next hundred breedings? That represents a 10% gain! Here’s the potential.
More calves = More interest in females to sell from your herd = $$$$
More calves = More A.I. companies contracting bulls = $$$
More calves = More likely to have the next generation of great genetics in your barn. $$
Less semen used = More money stays in your pocket $$
Less vet expense = More money stays in your pocket $$
ANSWER of the DAY:
More calves = More Profit
The difference between a low and a high pregnancy rate can be significant: anything from 5% to 30%. Work the numbers and you will certainly find the incentive to improve in this area.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Remember it starts with nutrition, environment and management.
Make sure that the heifers from 4-6 weeks of age are fed high quality roughage.
Secondly, we put too much focus on reaching energy goals when feeding heifers, without putting enough focus on protein needs.
Don`t forget the importance of quality water for heifers from weaning until they`re safe in calf. It is the most essential nutrient for the development we want to achieve.
Check body condition frequently so you can adjust the ration, because too fat or too skinny means she will be less fertile. The ideal body condition score to feed for is recommended as 3.
YOU SHOULD TARGET MINERALS: They’re central to success
Mineral intake is very important. This is an area to get your best possible nutrition advice and put it into practice. Ensure that the animal gets the macro and MICRO minerals that she needs. This is where mineral form can pay off. Chelated trace minerals may cost more but are more accessible to meet the animal`s needs. Consult with your veterinarian. An extra injection of vitamin E and selenium may be crucial at this period as these two are key elements for fertility. By starting to manage the minerals at a young age, you make sure the heifers over a few months develop a good, constant diet, ensuring they are healthy and fertile up to the moment of breeding or implanting.
Health Status
Having a healthy cow or heifer is the starting point for good pregnancy rates. Although health traits are multi-faceted, lameness management is crucial to fertility improvement. Herds with rigid hoof care management have increased heat detection rates, increased conception rates, and therefore increased numbers of pregnant cows.
Proactive Advice
The impact of proactive veterinary and nutrition advice cannot be overemphasized. When the purse strings are tight, consultant costs are often targeted for reduction or elimination but the right veterinary and nutrition intervention will produce results that will pay for the cost inputs.
Records of Success
Each farm will have different fertility issues and it is important to identify these. The starting point has to be recording. Many computerised systems are available, but are often underutilized. Recording and analysis will pinpoint the weakness in fertility management and then you can take action steps.
Heat Detection
Improving pregnancy rates starts with animal health, nutrition and, then, heat detection. You must have all three of these in sequence. Nothing operates in isolation. In Canada the average heat detection rate is low. We don’t have a good number. Of course, those heats that are missed are not recorded. We must use technology to improve this area. The message is clear: heat detection either by manual observation, technology such as pedometers, or by hormonal manipulation. Get it done.
THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE
Improving pregnancy rates comes down to one thing: Constant attention to detail.
*The Bullvine is not a nutritionist or veterinarian, nor do we play one on TV. Consult your nutritionist and veterinarian to meet the specific needs of your dairy herd.
Ocean-View Dispersal Averages $2,742
May 2, 2012 brought the end of an era in the registered Holstein circle as the long-standing and well known herd of Ocean View was dispersed in Windsor, CA. Selling over 600 head in one day was no easy task, Dave Rama and Gary Estes shared the auctioneering duties while Horace Backus read pedigrees. At the end of the day, the sale averaged $2,742.
Generations and generations of well thought out breeding decisions stood behind every animal that went through the ring. Topping the sale at $15,000 was Lot 2759- Ocean-View Gold Sheen. She is a VG-87 point Goldwyn from Ocean-View Outside Sheen EX-91 then the famous Lindy Sheen herself. Second high seller was Lot 2785, Ocean-View Gold Roxette at $14,250. Roxette is a 86 point Goldwyn daughter of Ocean-View Roy Roxann EX-91, and sold due in July to Aftershock. Wrapping up the top three was Lot 2447, Ocean-View Allen Zmora at $13,500. She is a Canyon-Breeze Allen daughter of another famous Ocean-View cow, Mandel Zandra EX-95.
Marvin Nunes worked hard at making Ocean-View a prominent prefix in the Holstein breed for many years. While being very successful in the show ring, especially with cows like Ocean-View Lindy Sheen EX-94 who was nominated All-American four times in milking form, this California herd was also known for impressive milk production as nine Ocean-View cows made over 300,000 pounds of lifetime milk. (source:holsteinworld.com)
$15,200 – Lot 2447 Ocean-View Allen Zmora-ET EX-92 (Allen X Mandel Zandra)
Buyer: Nunes, Mongini, Herzog, Deerfield, WI
$15,000 – Lot 2759 Ocean-View Gold Sheen VG-87 2yr (Goldwyn X Outside Sheen EX-91)
Buyer: Legend Dairy Farms, Chino, CA
$14,250 – Lot 2785 Ocean-View Gold Roxette-ET VG-87 2yr (Goldwyn X Roy Roxann EX-91)
Buyer: Kisst Dairy, Ripon, CA
Record price for Apple’s daughter
Bluechip Apple Spice-Red, a 3-month-old Destry out of KHW Regiment Apple-Red, fetched the impressive top price of A$101,000 at the Bluechip Genetics Invitational Sale in Australia. She went to Keith Peterson of Dundee Holsteins, Victoria. The second-most expensive animal (A$30,000) was Eclipse Shottle Paradise from the family of Integrity Paradise. A total of 71 lots averaged A$8,487. (source:holsteininternational.com)
Lot 4B – Bluechip Apple Spice – $101,000 to Apple Investments
Lot 31 – Eclipse Shottle Paradise – $30,000 to Bluechip Genetics
Lot 8 – Bluechip Shottle Noni – $25,000 to Leigh Prout, Corra Lea Holsteins, Northern Victoria
Central PA Spring Spectacular averages $2,349
The Central PA Spring Spectacular sale was held on Saturday, April 28 in Centre Hall, PA. The sale averaged $2,349 on 69 lots including embryos. MSI Duckett Jasper Magic, a fancy fall yearling from an EX-92 Goldwyn x 2E-92 Outside was the sale topper at $7,300. The Black Magic Syndicate, Adamsville, PA purchased this consignment from Tom Uber. Fetching the second highest price of the day was a Dec Gold Chip from 3x Jr All American Hillmont Durham Lyndi (3E-96). Consigned by Hillmont Farms, she was knocked off at $5,500 to Hannah Bomgardner, Lebanon, PA. The third highest seller was also from the Lyndi family, Hillmont Sanchez Madison, a full sister the 2011 HHM All-American Spring Calf. Her dam is a 2E-92 Champion daughter from Lyndi. Don and Angela Anderson, Centre Hall,PA were the last bidders at $5,200 on this spring yearling. Other top sellers included:
$4,700 for Lot 2- Sept Fever x 5E-94 Lili Starbuck- Anthony Fisher, Marbile, WI, buyer
$4,500 for lot 18- Polled R&W Lawnboy bred heifer x VG-86 Advent back to 3E-96 Tobi- Liam Daly, Russell, Ontario, buyer
$4,000 for lot 23- Dec R&W Durham-Red x VG-88 Tundel x 5 more VG/EX dams- Katelyn Taylor, Allenwood, PA, buyer
For years breeders have been saying how they would do things differently than the big A.I. companies. In March of 2013 they are going to get their chance. While many top breeders are already licking their lips at the opportunity, there are some key factors I don’t think they have considered that may not change things as much as they think. The following is a closer look at these issues.
Distribution
When Calbrett-I H H Champion hit for GenerVations, the biggest challenge was not marketing but rather distribution. Here is a company who had been a distributor for many international A.I. companies that now had to turn the table and sell back to these companies. Fortunately, for GenerVations they were able to do so and leverage the network they had already developed in order to get Champion semen out to the world. However, what is the typical breeder going to do? Sure, you may be able to move some semen through the internet or advertising your bulls in the major publications, but that will not pay the bills. A global distribution network that can move your semen is a must. Only one person can have the #1 bull, for all others you had better have a cost effective distribution network, or your dreams of becoming the next great Albert Cormier or Doug Blair will fizzle before they even start.
Frequent Genomic Releases
With new genomic bulls coming out monthly, you could be on the top of the list one month and not even in the top 10 the next. This provides for a very short run for peak sales and means you will not always be able to sell your genomic young sire semen for $50+ a dose. More likely, you are looking at a $20-30 average price, and that is assuming you are still in the top 50. Fall out of the top 50 genomic sires in the world and you can kiss sales good-bye.
Cost of Production
Breeders wishing to prove their own sires will have to use one of the approved semen collection facilities. Certainly, many of these facilities will offer competitive rates, but they need to operate at a profit too. While working with the largest A.I. company in the world, we knew that the cost per semen collected averaged between $4 and $5. To get your semen dose collected you are typically looking at $7 – $10 a dose. Big deal you say, a couple of dollars less. Well actually it is. When large semen orders come in, they operate on blend price for the order. Depending on the situation they are from $10 – $12 a dose. That $3-$5 a dose difference could mean the difference between profit and loss. Don’t think you need those large bulk orders? Think again, you will find they are your lifeblood for cash flow.
Aggressive Lease Options from Current A.I. Companies
We have already started to see it. Gone are the fixed sales price of $5,000 -$10,000 or the capped leases at $100,000. The major A.I. companies have already started to get very aggressive on the lease options they offer. Smaller A.I. companies have already been forced to get extremely aggressive in order to procure top genomic young sires. It’s also for these reasons that we are starting to see more bulls being sold in top sales, as it provides the ability to set the bar higher for many breeders. It’s also for these reasons that you have noticed many players starting to buy top females, as the cost to buy them is actually cheaper than the cost to contract their sons.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
While the ability to test their own sires will certainly affect the lease agreements, they get from the A.I. companies it will not be the total game changer that everyone is expecting it to be. What it will do is make the current A.I. become even more competitive and have to trim their own fat. Breeders sampling and selling their own bulls and not selling their bulls to A.I. seems a promising opportunity. However, the thought that it is going to totally change the way bulls are sampled and sold is farfetched. From the cost of production to distribution there are many factors that eager breeders have not yet given enough consideration.
I can tell you the number of times I have seen top breeders spend hours upon hours deciding who to mate their top cattle. While I understand the importance of this decision, often times I find that the final decision is based on traits that are so low in heritability the chance of actually improving the cow for that trait is extremely low. As a result, the mating they were hoping to give them that next great one, turns out to be a field of dreams.
What is Heritability?
Heritability is a measure of the degree (0 to 100%) to which offspring resemble their parents for a specific trait. This definition can be extended to all genetic relationships such as half sisters sired by the same bull. Heritability measures the strength of the relationship between performance (phenotype) and breeding value (genotype) of an individual animal. Recall that “heritability” applies to a specific trait measured in a specific population of animals at a specific point in time. If the same trait is measured in a slightly different way in some other group of animals, the estimate of heritability can be expected to be different.
Why Should You Care About Heritability?
Heritability tells you the breeder how much confidence to place in the phenotypic performance of an animal when choosing parents of the next generation. For highly heritable traits where heritability exceeds 0.35, the animal’s phenotype is a good indicator of genetic merit or breeding value. For lowly heritable traits, where heritability is below 0.15, an animal’s performance is much less useful in identifying the individuals with the best genes for the trait.
This is where the problem lies. The following is a breakdown of High vs Low heritability traits.
High
Medium
Low
Milk Yield (0.43)
Fat Yield (0.34)
Herd Life (0.10)
Protein Yield (40)
Somatic Cell Score (0.27)
Calving Ability (0.6)
Fat Percentage (est. 0.50)
Milking Speed (0.21)
Daughter Calving Ability (0.6)
Protein Percentage (est. 0.50)
Conformation (0.26)
Milking Temperament (0.13)
Lactation Persistency (0.40)
Rump (0.23)
Daughter Fertility (0.7)
Dairy Strength (0.36)
Mammary System (0.25)
Feet & Legs (0.15)
What Should You Do About Traits With Low Heritabilities?
Heritability can tell us how closely genetic merit follows phenotypic performance, but it tells us nothing about the economic value of better performance. Some traits with low heritabilities, such as the survival and fitness have low heritabilities but high economic value. Other traits, like stature, are moderately to highly heritable, but have insufficient economic value to be given much emphasis in selection programs. Low heritable traits of substantial economic value should always be targeted for improvement through better environmental conditions. This often has the most direct impact and often can be done much quicker than through breeding programs.
The dairy industry is increasingly interested in genetic improvement of health, fitness, survival, and reproductive traits. Milk production is more heritable than these traits, and genetic gains in milk production for the last 30 years have been substantial. Perhaps part of the reason for increased emphasis on equally valuable traits of lower heritability has been the genetic progress made in milk production. Many farmers feel that their cows have more genetic ability to produce than can be utilized efficiently on many dairy farms. The relative economic value of the fitness traits and milk production appears to have changed and selection objectives will change as well.
What is the Heritability of Type Traits?
As the follow table shows. Trying to improve feet and legs is often better served through management than breeding, while stature and body depth would show a more rapid genetic gain.
Stature
0.42
Strength
0.31
Body Depth
0.37
Dairy Form
0.29
Rump Angle
0.33
Thurl Width
0.26
Rear Legs Side View
0.11
Foot Angle
0.15
Feet and Leg Score
0.17
Fore Udder Attachment
0.29
Rear Udder Height
0.28
Udder Cleft
0.24
Udder Depth
0.28
Front Teat Placement
0.26
Teat Length
0.26
Final Score
0.29
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Heritability is one of the most important concepts when it comes to your breeding program. There are several working definitions, as heritability is used to help plan breeding programs, determine management strategies, estimate breeding values of individual animals, and predict response to selection. In general, traits related to fertility, fitness, health and survival have low heritabilities of less than 0.15. Production traits like milk or protein yield are moderately heritable, with values from 0.15 to about 0.40. So if you are looking to see significant gains from your breeding programs it’s best to focus on highly heritable traits, otherwise your breeding program is more of a field of dreams.
Not sure what all this hype about genomics is all about?
Want to learn what it is and what it means to your breeding program?
In the day to day business of dairy breeding there is one thing breeders use most but often take for granted: the Name. Every great breeding – bull or heifer – starts and builds from the name. The average Canadian dairy farm has 175 cows and replacements. This means you could be looking at almost 1000 unique names over a ten year period. The potential for making a marketing statement every time someone walks through your barn and reads the sign above each individual is not to be overlooked.
In corporate board rooms, much strategy is placed on choosing the name for products. Success is built upon name recognition and communicating with the customer. “But this is a dairy farm not a board room!” you say. Do you have a product? Do you need customers? Do you want to make a profit? Answering yes to any of these questions means that the right name on the right animal will have an impact. However, the time to be considering the best name for your new arrival is not at two in the morning when there is a big day of field work, a cattle show or any of the myriad other details that are part of the business of dairy farming. Keep the paperwork flowing! For some this process is intimidating, or at the very least, irksome. For others it’s a family undertaking that every generation has an opinion on – sometimes even crossing provincial and country borders to make sure their input is on the record. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
#1 Make it Memorable
Do pick a name that is memorable – not only for possible customers but for yourself. We all know how impressive it is when a dairy breeder in the barn, in the field or just in conversation has complete command of animal names. This means choosing them in a way that works for you. You might base your naming on a distinguishing characteristic (Velvet), outstanding trait (Milky) or something new to your breeding line (Opportunity). When it’s memorable to your customers they will become part of your promotion team. You never want them to struggle to remember “Sornostri”. If it’s difficult to remember, it is counterproductive.
#2 Stand Out
In today`s competitive global marketplace, standing out from the crowd is becoming one of the most important aspects of the dairy breeding business. Make sure that list that is always being tweaked and added to contains those words and terms that people are looking for. Use a thesaurus, popular advertisements, famous sports terms or even cars to drive your name home with your customers. Today car companies take a positive word and add a vowel to it: Astra; Innova; Sumo; Omni. This works for cattle too! But I would not choose Typo!
#3 Know Your Customer
You can’t expect to sell to everyone, so narrow down your client list and make your names appeal to that group. Are they looking for type? Longevity? Or simply fame and fortune? There are names that sell the features of each of these market niches. All it requires is some research, forethought and preparedness and, when that star is born, you’re ready with the perfect name – perhaps borrowed from a real movie star (Gaga) or from heavenly stars (Galaxy). Once you have identified your target market or niche groups, the sky’s the limit.
#4 Focus on Your Strengths
Make sure, if you’re choosing descriptive words for names, that they are ones that describe what you’re selling. You are not limited and may already have a lineup that includes “Incredible” and “Invincible”. Everyone in the milk business has bred a “Milky” at some point. If you are a trend leader, you might want to sign up the “Gene” family who could include “Encore” “Copycat” and “Repeater”. If fertility is your focus don’t miss “Isis” – the goddess of fertility. Mythology is a great resource for names. On the other hand, don’t use misleading terms unless you’re very sure how you’re going to market that all white cow that you have named, “Midnight”!
#5 Make it Marketable
Advertising is easier when the name is visual. If your farm already has a picturesque name then you can focus on enhancing that as your brand. “Spring” “Stream” “Wood” “Hill” or “Mountain” immediately present a picture. When you’re running to a deadline and a harried editor is pinning you down to your “message”, it will be much easier if you have considered this aspect of the business and already have a plan in place. When that new calf is curled up in the straw, that’s a good time to consider the sales promotion, “Put Magic in YOUR barn!” or use colourful money imagery, “Take Goldie all the way to the Bank!” Picking the right identifier from the start prevents headaches later.
How Hard Can It Be?
Just like everything else that can have a positive effect on your business, naming can also pose some difficulties.
As the creative juices get flowing, you may recognize that controversy can be promotional. However, DO NOT pick a name that is offensive or promotes illegal activities. This may work for your favourite rock band but “ROAD KILL” might not be the best association to bring to your herd.
Once you have picked a name, try to keep an open mind. Sometimes you have so much invested in the naming process that it becomes a hurdle in negotiating with an A.I. stud. You are so sure that the name you have chosen is a winner that any modification seems like an attack on you personally and your breeding. However, as we are discussing in this whole process of naming, the job isn’t done until the sale is made. It isn’t a competition between you and the A.I. company but teamwork that is going to get your animal selling in the biggest marketplace possible. Furthermore, they know things like “Nova” means “No Go” in Spanish. I bet GM wish they had considered that!
The Name of the Game
In business branding legend Marty Neumeier says that good names have 7 characteristics. They should be distinctive, short, appropriate, easy to spell, pronounce, likable, extendable, and protectable. Although we may not get to the stage where we can license the names we choose, we can use words, language and the proper name to enhance our success.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
The next time, someone asks you, “What’s in a name?” be sure to answer “Everything!”
The dairy breeding industry is like none other than I know in the world. Where else can your neighbor be your best friend, greatest customer, and potentially greatest competitor, all at the same time? Think about it, the same person that you are working so hard to entice to buy your cattle or your genetics, instantly becomes your biggest competitor the second they do so.
The dairy breeding industry has so many things that make it amazing that this just seems to be another factor to it. For years breeders have had to balance this challenge of how do you make money selling your genetics while not selling to a breeder who may steal all your future sales away from you. I have seen it happen many times. Breeders who have worked hard to breed generation after generation of great cattle, and who may not be very well known to the world, sell some of their top heifers at big name sales in order to get their name out there. What happens? Their heifer is purchased by a big name breeder who uses their connections and greater marketing ability to become your biggest competitor and pretty much steal the market away from you. Of course, you might be saying, “It’s great to have them marketing my cattle family for me,” and yes it is. However, with embryo transfer, IVF and other technologies, is it really that good? What is the 10th best heifer from xyz family worth? Is it really worth more than the best heifer from a family that may not be as well known?
But How Do I Pay The Bills?
I get that you have to sell some of your best animals in order to make money in this business. The milk check alone will not cover the increased breeding program costs. I also understand that if you don’t sell some of your top animals you are really never going to make any significant income. That’s what makes this such a challenge.
The greatest example of this was Braedale. For years, they did not want to sell any members of the Gypsy grand family domestically. It was easier to pull a pull twin bulls out of a 2yr old storm daughter than it was to get a cow purchased out of that herd. Then one day, they start just selling a “few” members. Then the floodgates opened. Early on, herds like Gillette, Rocky Mountain Holsteins and a few others got into this family. These herds where able to get way more exposure for their members from the Gypsy Grand family and ultimately stole the marketability of the cow family away from Braedale. While the family gained worldwide recognition. Did Braedale make as much money as maybe some of these other breeders?
Is there an answer to this problem? Well in reality there is not. You can always say that you must breed them better than the others do. However, is that enough? If you don’t have the marketing engine that these other herds have, or the ability these herds have to get the cattle to the top of the list, then in reality you have just sold your best cow to your biggest competitor.
The BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE
Does that mean you should never sell your genetics? Well that is not financially an option. What it does mean is that, if you are going to play in the genetic sales game, you better be prepared to enter it full throttle. You need to not only breed great cattle, but you need to make sure you are able to market your genetics just as aggressively.
In every walk of life, there is a full spectrum of abilities. Every responsible dairy breeder knows that there are some whose farm practices make headlines to the detriment of others. Not every cow achieves what Smurf has. Recent comments in the Ottawa Citizen by a PETA writer about Smurf’s Guinness World Record achievement, just goes to highlight their lack of understanding of the relationship many dairy producers have with their cattle.
Smurf, or fully named Gillette Emperor Smurf EX-91, received international attention earlier this week. It was specifically noted that, “after the 216,891 kg. she has so far produced in her lifetime — enough for an eight-ounce glass for every man, woman and child in Ottawa — (she) earned her recognition by Guinness as the most prolific milk producer in the history of dairy cows.” This well-deserved recognition for exceptional achievement also brought criticism that it was built on greed and exploitation. Ferme Gillette was urged to make the compassionate decision and put Smurf out to pasture.
Compassionate decision making comes easily to Eric Patenaude, as anyone who sits down with this dairy farmer would know. His goal was not the fortune and fame of “getting into the Guinness Book of World Records” or being quoted in “The Ottawa Citizen”.
The solution that was offered to Eric was for him to make sure that SMURF enjoys a “happy retirement with her youngster”. While I do not question the lovely images of the PETA writer, not many of us envision retirement and youngsters side-by-side and I say that while enjoying every one of my eight grandchildren who visit the farm and call it, “Granny Camp”. Likewise, multi-generational living is the cherished “norm” for the large Patenaude family who celebrate both the highs and lows that living and working on a dairy farm entails – and they do it together!!
I’m sure the Patenaude’s from senior Gilles to the youngest toddler happily standing in the barn today is filled with many thoughts about cows and not one of them is based upon “exploitation or profit”. Those words don’t come naturally to the Patenaude’s or to their way of working with the cows they love.
As is often the case with great animal caretakers, Eric cares about people too. His response to the verbal PETA attack was as gracious and caring as you could possibly imagine, “They’re a good organization,” he said. “They do good things for some animals. As far as Smurf is concerned, we’re going to discuss the possibilities.” Togetherness is a wonderful way to work things out, regardless of your human or animal origins.
Of course, it is all too easy when you’re looking to support harsh arguments in any field, that you can seek until you do find a picture, or a person to support the extreme positions. That happens in every family, organization or activist group. If you look only for the negative you will find what you’re looking for.
At Ferme Gillette negativity isn’t the motivating force as Eric explains, “We want what’s best for Smurf,” He adds. “I think she’s reached 16 years because she’s in the right place. We’re the people who know what’s best for Smurf. They want to put her in an animal sanctuary, but I think at this point she is in an animal sanctuary.” Thousands of visitors to this farm would heartily agree. Many see the Patenaude’s as mentors, not only of dairy farming, but of a wonderful way of life.
The PETA writer, whom I have never met and then would never presume to criticize, recognizes part of SMURF’s “luck”, the other part, that is overlooked, is that the majority of Canadian dairy breeders raise their cow families the same way they raise their own families. Families don’t put each other “out to pasture, so to speak”. In families success isn’t built on luck, it’s built on love.
Senior Calf (31): 1. Velthuis Jasper Janice (Wilcoxview Jasper), Velthuis Farm Ltd.
2. MS Atwood Adrenaline (Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood), JM Valley Holstein, D.Dubois et F. Lemieux, Rick & Shannon Allyn, Ferme Rodemsay, Ferme Jendro
3. Duckett-SA Jordan Fargo (Gillette Jordan), Vale-O-Skene Holsteins
Summer Yearling (24): 1. Kostka Steady Dinamite (Stantons Steady), Ferme Kostka SENC, JM Valley Holstein & Ferme Jendro
2. Belfast Goldwyn Lasenza (Braedale Goldwyn), Belfast Holstein, Mary Inn Holstein
3. Berndale Lanefarm B G Absence (Braedale Goldwyn), Cormdale GEnetics Inc., AI-BE-RO Land & Cattle
Junior Yearling (12): 1. Pierstein Oasis Reba (Pierstein Promotion Oasis), Pierre Boulet
2. Blondin Bravest Delice (Blondin Bravest), Ferme Blondin
3. Petitclerc Alexander Ashley (Golden-Oaks St Alexander-ET), Ferme Petitclerc et Fils
Intermediate Yearling (12): 1. Petitclerc Alexander Amycale (Golden-Oaks St Alexander-ET), Ferme Petitclerc et Fils
2. Beldavid Dundee Rye (Regancrest Dundee-ET), Ferme M.C.F. Inc.
3. Val D Espoir Baltimore Mazda (Regancrest Baltimore), Ferme Val d’Espoir
Senior Yearling (16): 1. Kingsway Sanchez Magician (Gen-Mark Stormatic Sanchez), JM Valley Holstein, D. Dubois, F. Lemieux, Cormdale Genetics
2. R-E-W Happy Go Lucky (Braedale Goldwyn), Velthuis Farm Ltd., Ardross Holsteins & Sjendi Holstein
3. Pellerat Jasper Ginger (Wilcoxview Jasper), Jeff Butler
Premier Junior Breeder & Exhibitor: Ferme Petitclerc et fils
Junior Champion: Kingsway Sanchez Magician, 1st senior yearling, JM Valley Holstein, D. Dubois, F. Lemieux, Cormdale Genetics
Grand Champion: Blondin Mr Burns Laurence, 1st 4-year-old, Ferme Blondin – Carlos I. Herrera
Res. Grand Champion: Beckelm Kite Twinkle, 1st 5-year-old, Scott Brethet, Mt Elgin Dairy
HM Grand Champion: Deslacs Ritzy Red Greedy, 1st sr. 2-year-old, Ferme Parile
Premier Breeder & Exhibitor: Sildajak Holstein
California Spring Show
Apr. 27 – Merced, CA
Judge – Michael Heath, Westminster, MD
Winter Calf – Red (2)
1. K-Nissen Rockin Apple-Red (Bovigen-SF Red Rock-Red), Katherine Nissen
2. Delta-Breeze Contdr Sam-Red (Patience Showline Contender-Red), Jarrett Zonneveld
Winter Calf (10)
1. Exels Pronto Aleena 17221 (Windy-Knoll-View Pronto x Exels Callit Addison 14628), Hank & Carolyn Van Exel
2. Calori-D SM Aftershock Eva (Ms Atlees Sht Aftershock), Stephen Mast
3. Entourage-LC Prima Dona-ET (Golden-Oaks St Alexander), Matthew Pacheco
Fall Calf -Red (4)
1. BBM CP Kandi-Red-ET (Sandy-Valley Colt-P-Red x Ms Candy Apple-Red), Frank & Carol Borba/Frank & Diane Borba
2. Scientific Pico Doll-Red-ET (La Presentation Picolo-Red), John Paul, Elisabeth & Elise Regusci
3. Ruann R Jewelanne 14901-Red (Hurtgen-Vue Reality-Red), Ruann Dairy
Fall Calf (16)
1. Windsor-Manor Zginger (Fustead Goldwyn Guthrie x Windsor-Manor Za Milly), Hannah Van Dyk
2. Nelsons Atwood Liz (Maple-Downs-I GW Atwood), Jenavieve Kisst
3. D-Man Durham Dollie (Regancrest Elton Durham), Donavan Miguel
Summer Yearling – Red (5)
1. Exels Destry G 16850-Red (Scientific Destry RC x Exels Contender Gina 15521), Hank & Carolyn Van Exel
2. Dar-Lynda Scarla-Red-ET (Scientific Destry), Joseph Azevedo
3. Ruann Charity 10524-Red (Hurtgen-Vue Reality-Red), Hunter & Ashley Glass/Charlie Jones
Spring Yearling – Red (5)
1. Crazy-For SCR Dip-Red (Crackholm Secure x Crazy-For Jordan Dizzie), Airoso, Binder, Woodmansee
2. Jacobi Giltex BA Marcy-Red (Big Apple-Red), Cort James Rowley
3. Miss Giltex Ad Sugar-Red (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Gilbert Teixeira & Alexandra Costello
Spring Yearling (15)
1. R-John Atwood Aspire (Maple-Downs-I GW Atwood x La-Foster Dundee Addie), Rocco Cunningham
2. Butlerview Atwood Ava (Maple-Downs-I GW Atwood), Frank Antoine Borba
3. Crazy-For SCR Dip-Red (Crackholm Secure), Airoso, Binder, Woodmansee
Winter Yearling – Red (3)
1. A Mason Lou Koko-Red-ET (Fieldhouse Redlou-Red x Autumn-Ridge RB Marl-Red), Frank & Carol Borba/Frank & Diane Borba/George Morasci
2. Becca-Jo Erin-Red, Donovan Miguel
3. Dar-Lynda Apple 42213-Red (Big Apple-Red), Hunter & Ashley Glass/Charlie Jones
Winter Yearling (8)
1. BVK Alexander Adalira (Golden-Oaks St Alexander x Kingstead Chief Adeen), Tony Garcia Jr.
2. McClelland Sanchez Dolly (Gen-Mark Stmatic Sanchez), Rocco Cunningham
3. Ken-Mar-Vu Atwood Lucky (Maple-Downs-I GW Atwood), Courtney Faria
Fall Yearling – Red (2)
1. Ta-Ro-Lee Advent 2155-Red (KHW Kite Advent-Red x Ta-Ro-Lee Sept Storm Devyn), Hank & Carolyn Van Exel
2. Paulo-Bro SP Deuc Sasha-Red (Scientific SS Deuce), Tyler Dunn
Fall Yearling (11)
1. Calori-D RJ Afrshok Minolta (Ms Atlees Sht Aftershock x Calori-D RJ Excited Mini), Rebekah Mast
2. Golden Set Hamming Darla (Wilcoxview Jasper), Frank & Carol Borba/Frank & Diane Borba
3. Fradon Redliner Aka (Fradon Redliner), Dominic Agresti-Asali
Unfresh 2-Year-Old – Red (1)
1. Kulp-Dale Con Fancy-Red (Patience Showline Contender-Red), Hannah Van Dyk
Junior Champion Red Show: Ta-Ro-Lee Advent 2155-Red, 1st fall yearling, Hank & Carolyn Van Exel
Res. Junior Champion: A Mason Lou Koko-Red-ET, 1st winter yearling, Frank & Carol Borba/Frank & Diane Borba/George Morasci
4-Year-Old (10)
1. High Point Carlow (Braedale Goldwyn x Ms Carlas Durham Caribou-ET), Frank & Carol Borba/Frank & Diane Borba
2. Whitney Oaks Roy Bella (Roylane Jordan), Michael Davis
3. Airosa Yosemite, Airosa Dairy
Reserve Junior Champion: Duckett P Lucy-Red (La Presentation Picolo-Red-ET), 1st spring yearling, Westcoast Holsteins, Chilliwack, BC
Intermediate Champion & Reserve Grand Champion: First Glance Talent Contest (Ladino Park Talent-Imp-ET), 1st senior 3-year-old, Herman & Kathleen Hoffman, Melrose, WI
Reserve Intermediate Champion: Benrise Goldwyn JoJo (Braedale Goldwyn), 2nd senior 3-year-old, Budjon Farms & Peter Vail, Lomira, WI
Senior & Grand Champion and Best Udder of Show: Milksource Goldwn Africa-ET (Braedale Goldwyn), 1st 4-year-old, Peter & Lyn Vail & Budjon Farms, Lomira, WI
Reserve Senior Champion: Pyramid Goldwyn Shimmer-ET (Braedale Goldwyn), 1st 5-year-old, Jordan & Whitney Ebert, Algoma, WI
Champion Bred & Owned of the Show – Siemers Alisha Gold Ava-ETS, Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Newton, WI
Premier Breeder & Exhibitor: Siemers Holsteins, Newton, WI
Premier Sire: Braedale Goldwyn
100th Anniversary Show – South Africa Sale
Champion Cow: Puttergill Final Lisa, 1st 4-year-old, owned by Kevin Lang; sired by Final Cut
Reserve: Milagro Sandra, 1st 5-year-old, owned by Andrew Masterton; sired by LHeros
Sales
Genomic Giant Sale lights up Victoriaville!
It was an exciting night in Victoriaville, Quebec as Trans America Genetics and Butler Fellers Auctions, Inc. brought the Genomic Giant Sale to a large and active crowd. After the last lot was struck off, the sale average of $32,367.14 and gross of $2,265,700 on 70 full lots was realized.
Topping the sale at $215,000 was LOT 10 – Vision-Gen Sh Frd A12304-ET, a 9/10 Freddie with GTPI +2419 x VG-85 DOM Jet Stream x VG-87 GMD-DOM Outside x 6 VG/EX dams. She sold with about 9 pregnancies and 43 transfers and was consigned by Dan, Sandy & Jennifer Mormann of New Vienna, IA.
The second high seller of the night at $105,000 was LOT 1 – Fly-Higher Sham Minny-ET, a 1/12 Shamrock x Fly-Higher Bolton Misha (VG-88 DOM) x 4 VG/EX dams. Minny is one of only 3 females in the entire breed that is over +850NM and +4.00T and is the #15 GTPI female in the Breed at +2596.
$100,000- Lot 3: 1st Choice Mogul or Uno x Ammon-Peachey Shauna VG 87 GTPI 2343/GLPI +3242 Consignor: Seagull Bay Dairy, ID Buyer: Jolicap and TAG
$100,000 – Lot: 9A: 1st Choice Sire to be announced x Venture Shottbolt Sizzle, GPLI +2674/GTPI +2634, #1Polled female in the breed Consignor: Bryhill Farm Inc, PQ Buyer: Elite Dairy Genomcs, IL
California Merced County Holstein Sale
April 26, 2012
Merced, CA
Average $2014
$5600- Lot 1 Dinomi Atwood Renetta (Mar ’11 Atwood x Dinomi Offroad Ryley EX-91 Grand Champion B&W California Spring 2010 plus 4 more gen VG or EX from Ravens) Consignor: Dino Dante Migliazzo Buyer: Crane Hill Genetics, CA
$4500 0 Lot 36 Lazy A Legend Elegance (Dec ’11 Legend x Lazy A Blitz Elegance NC x 7 more gen VG or EX from Elegance family Consignor: Lazy A Holsteins, CA
$4000- Lot 10 Kisst Dundee 896 Wilma (Mar’11 Dundee x Kisst lEduc 416 Wilma VG-88 x Wendon Lee Wilma VG-88) Consignor: John G Kisst Jr, CA
Tahora
The Top Shelf Sale of Tahora Farms in New Zealand had a wonderful average of NZ$9211 (€5700) over 52 lots. The top selling lot was a 50% share in a yearling Braxton heifer from Tahora Goldwyn Toni. The Anderson family paid NZ$38,000 (€23,500) for this share. A Sid from Toni sold for NZ$27,000 to Bluechip in Australia. (source: Holsteininternational.com)
Fife Herd Goes out in StyleThe Balcurvie herd owned by Gavin Struthers, Bankhead Farm Fife was dispersed in some style at Borderway, Carlisle on Wednesday 25th April. Animals were sold to twelve counties across the UK with twenty seven animals selling to or above £2000.
All of the buyers were especially impressed with the quality of the udders on offer. Two animals sold to a joint top price of 2,750gns and both excelled in the mammary department. First to sell for this price was a daughter of Hornland Jayz, a young heifer in mid lactation due again at the end of the year to Alta Delwyn. She was purchased by W R Stewart of Willoxton Farm, Ayrshire. Also selling for 2,750gns was a fresh heifer sired by Alta Onside with a close to perfect udder she now joins the herd of N & S Sanderson of Burtholme Farm, Brampton, Cumbria.
Next to impress was another daughter of Hornland Jayz from the Hink family. She had recently calved and sold for 2,650gns. Selling for 2,500gns was a fresh second calve cow sired by Armstead from the Dorine family originally from the Howcommon herd. Also selling for 2,500gns was a daughter of Alta Onside from the Rachel family one of the most constant breeding lines in the herd. All three of these exceptional young animals were purchased by N & S Sanderson of Burtholme Farm, Brampton, Cumbria.
The Miresdale herd from Northallerton had played an important part in the Balcurvie herds’ advancement and it was an animal with Miresdale breeding that sold to the next top price of 2,500gns. She was sired by a Shottle son and now joins the herd of J & J Barr Farm LTD, Easter Bucklyvie, Fife.
Having grown up working with the Canadian Association of Animal Breeders, to working directly with some of the largest A.I. centers in the world, to running our own genetic programs that had many top LPI cattle, I have had the opportunity to learn the semen sales and marketing world from a variety of perspectives. From this frontline view I have never seen as much change as the A. I. industry is now experiencing with Genomics. With all these changes, the question becomes “What does the future hold for the AI industry?”
Genetic Advantage
It used to be that every artificial insemination center could claim an advantage in a certain product offering. Semex would claim a type advantage that over the years converted to a longevity value, in order to appeal to the much larger commercial market, instead of just elite breeders looking for the next great show cattle. ABS global added product lines and partnerships such as Judges Choice to counter moves such as Semex’s and included strong type offering to their very commercial product line. Every AI center jockeyed back and forth to show how their genetic product offering was different. Even when they overlapped, they would claim greater reliability or stability based on the country or system of origin.
Then along came genomics and wiped all that out.
Today when you look at all the major A.I. centers products, you could take the name and stud code off and you would be hard pressed to notice any difference. They all try to offer a complete product line. Moreover, with the reliability, and ability to take the system or country of origin out of it, they all have pretty reliable product. This almost completely eliminates any genetic advantage that any A.I. center has.
It has been very interesting to watch companies like Select Sires take to owning top bloodlines in a big way (to read more check out Should A.I. Companies Own Females?). This may be the only way that A.I. companies can differentiate their genetic advantage. Buy owning the top females these genetics companies (at this point, they are no longer just an A.I. company), are able to develop distinct bloodlines that none of their competitors can have. This is only going to change more when breeders have full access to genomic information in 2013 and may start to sample and prove their own sires.
Think about it. I remember back when I was working with GenerVations, and Champion hit as #1 in Canada. We marketed the heck out of the fact that he was the best in Canada. We relied on the world’s confidence in the Canadian system to promote that this new, small A.I. center had a reliable product. We blasted that message around the world making sure everyone knew that GenerVations had the #1 in the world. Because we all knew that there was about a 2-3 year window before competitors would have their own Champion sons, or he would no longer be the top bull. Today we are looking at an even smaller window of opportunity. . With new genomics bulls coming out pretty much monthly, things can change in a heartbeat. The Select Sires program at least gives them 8 months advantage on the sires and total control over the dams (since they own them). This gives them the ability to offer their customers a distinct advantage by doing business with them. Some may look at it negatively and yet, from a purely business perspective, it makes total sense. In the end, it will look like a very shrewd investment in a market in which it so is hard to differentiate yourself.
Service vs. Price
Therefore, when you can no longer differentiate your company on product, it only leaves you two other options, service, and price. You are either going to become the Wal-Mart of the A.I. world or you are going to become Nordstroms’s. Both can exist in the same market place you just have to become extremely great at what makes you different.
If you want to become the Wal-Mart of the A.I. world, you are going to offer the lowest price for a very commercial product. This means you need to have your production facilities running super efficiently and your overhead at a bare minimum. This position plays extremely well to commercial producers who are looking for the lowest costs possible. For years, companies like ABS, Alta Genetics, and Select have battled very aggressively. Since most of these companies more or less were just selling a commodity, there really was not any brand loyalty. Since most large herds did their own insemination work, they eliminated the close link that is developed between producer and the A.I. center through the regular visits by the technicians doing the insemination work. While the major A.I. companies tried to lock in that connection again by offering mating programs and other services, since they all were pretty much the same and, often, not used by producers, they were only able to gain marginal difference. And like the Wal-Mart model, margins are tight and profits are slim.
Therefore, if you cannot compete on product and you cannot compete on price, that only leaves service. With the majority of the marketplace doing their own insemination, A.I. companies have to look outside the scope of traditional marketplace to provide services. While this has been the case for many years in the commercial marketplace, it is also fast becoming the case in the entire marketplace. While you may be able to get a slight premium when you have the #1 bull, otherwise you will live and die by the quality of service you offer your customers. We have already seen this happen. Many A.I. companies have gone to offering many non-genetic products in order to become a complete service organization, rather than just a supplier of genetics.
Also of interest, is how the roles of sales and sire analysts have also changed. While many have called the modern sire analyst a glorified tail hair puller, they are now becoming more of a breeding advisor mixed with a negotiation specialist. This is exactly what they have to do. They can provide insight to breeders about the daughters of the top mating sires and maybe a little insight that his proof will not tell you. Even more so, they are now the chief negotiator for their A.I. center. If I were a GM of an A.I. company, I would invest heavily in negotiation and relationship building training for these individuals. Realistically, unless you run a program like Select Sires, this will be your only way to get the top sires from many breeders.
The Bottom Line
Like most mature market places, there is little room for grey areas when it comes to the future of the A.I. industry and where the major A.I. companies position themselves. It will take strong action now either to develop very aggressive genetic programs like Select Sires has, or you will need to decide if you are going to be the lowest cost provider or offer the greatest service. And yes, I know there are many small micro A.I. companies that will be able to turn a profit. I get that, they are able to keep their overhead so low that they will be able to offer a niche product to small segments of the market place. However, when it comes to the big players, they need to ask themselves, “Am I going to get aggressive and develop distinct bloodlines?” “Are we going to be the lowest price provider?” Alternatively, “Are we going to become legendary for the quality of our service?” Anything that is a smorgasbord of these will only end in extinction in the end. Don’t think so? Look what happened to your local hardware store, when Home Depot moved in, or the independent grocer, when Wal-Mart put up one of their super centers in the same community. Where do you shop today? Who will be your provider tomorrow?
What do you think? Comment below our join the discussion on our facebook page.
Getting a contract to supply a top young sire is a rite of passage on the journey to becoming an elite dairy breeder. You`re about to sign on the dotted line with an A.I. company. Do you know exactly what you`re getting into? Before you give a quick answer that might cost you money, take a look at these 10 areas that smart breeders get all the answers to:
What kind of contract am I looking for?
a- Is the contract for the mutual benefit of you the “breeder” and the A.I Company or is it one sided in nature?
Where do Genomics fit in?
a- Do you get to see his genomics first before you are asked to sign the contract? If not what is the reason?
b- If you can test your own bull in 2013 what advantages are they offering you to sign now before genomics are known?
c- If your bull has a higher PA than his genomics, will they take him?
Ask yourself, “Should I take this risk?”
a- Does the contract come with any guarantee, or are you taking all the risk to hopefully get your ROI from the female side, if things don`t work out?
Where’s the Money?
a-Is the contract for cash, or is it a per dose, or “NET” royalty option or any combination of these?
b- Does any amount of semen given away at the start count in regards to the total amount that needs to be made before your per dose royalty kicks in?
c- If semen sells for $10 or $20 and your royalty is 10% of the “NET” what are you likely to receive?
d- What if your bull’s semen is exported for $2 or $4 what will your “NET” be then?
e- Will each sale be made transparent? Number of doses sold, and value per dose?
What about royalty agreements? When to say, “No!”
a- Is your royalty capped, and if it is what is the reason?
b- If they are offering a “NET” royalty have they fully explained what a “NET” royalty is? (A very, very important question to ask)
c- If they give you a down payment say $10,000 does the per dose royalty kick in after 10,000 doses are made or does it start immediately?
d- **Does it say anywhere in your contract that your royalty only kicks in after your bull makes the “Proven line up” or the “Active line up” If it does do not sign it until it is removed.
e- Do you receive any sort of bonus or royalty on the “early release” and most valuable semen used to fill other contracts? If not, do you know how many of these early doses are not included in your contract?
Advertising pays. Who does it?
a- Will they promote and advertise your young bull to help him reach his bonus?
b- If they do, where will they advertise him? Does that come with a guarantee?
c- What is their typical advertising budget in for a young genomic bull or any bull under 30 months, and do they typically advertise only their best young genomics bulls?
d- If they don`t typically advertise, or market their young genomic or unique bulls, what is the reason?
It’s all about semen sales. What are the details?
a- If his first and most valuable semen is given away for free for future contract considerations how does this benefit you?
b- As the “breeder” do you receive your bull’s very first semen, and are you free to use it how you wish without conditions? If not, why not?
c- Is there a bonus in your contract for the number of doses produced? Does it start at 20,000 doses or 50,000 doses or more?
d- How much semen does an average young bull produce in his first 30 months of collection?
e- What is the percentage of young genomic bulls that produce (and sell) 50,000 doses of semen before they are 30 months old?
What happens if you have a bonus bull?
a- If your bull calf has higher genomics then his PA, or is better than his sire and he is also Red, *RC, outcross, polled or any combination of these to make him truly unique is there any extra compensation or bonus offered?
b- Does your contract have a bonus if he is the #1 Red, *RC, outcross, polled or #1 for type? How much extra? You should think about what a #1 female equivalent would be worth.
c- Is there a bonus if your bull is in the top 10 for Red, *RC, outcross, polled or type?
d- Is this bonus paid for your bull if he reaches the top 10 at any time, or does this only count if he is still in the top 10 at the time of his first collection, or even later at the time of his first release? (very important to know when your bonus actually counts, could be in top 10 today but unlikely to be top 10 at time of first collection with 1,000s of bulls being tested every month)
e- Does this bonus only count for the top 10 of the stud you’re working with, or is it for the top 10 of the entire population?
f- Is there a different bonus if he reaches the top 10 of the entire population? Again – think about what an equivalent top 10 female would be worth.
Are there other benefits that should be considered?
a- If your bull is good enough they are requesting contracts on his early semen there is a good chance your young bull will have his own son producing semen before he is 30 months old. Once he has to compete with his own sons how will this affect his semen value at that time?
b- If you sign a bull contract before your bull is born what if any benefit does it provide you?
***and here is the single most important question that you MUST be able to answer:
DO YOU UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING IN THE CONTRACT?
If your sire analyst does not know the answers to these questions, or is unable or unwilling to answer them, you need to speak to the person in charge who does. Do not sign or agree to any contract you do not feel comfortable with or that you do not fully understand.
As 2013 is approaching very quickly it is possible many other options will become available. There could be differences depending on whether you are negotiating in Canada or the U.S. Who knows, it may be possible to test your bull and then sell him at auction to the highest bidder.
It is important to weigh every option, but if you are uncomfortable with the way a contract is presented, or if you do not understand something it is in your best interest to ask questions. There are many unknowns going forward, but hopefully this helps to answer some of those unknowns for you, and you can print this off and have it handy when they call to contract your best animal.
THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE
It takes more than great genetics to make great A.I. Contracts.
There are advantages and disadvantages to every breeding tool and each has a dollar impact. When it comes to sexed semen you have to know what the benefits will be to your particular breeding and management programs. Currently, sexed semen is seeing a resurgence of use six years after its inception in 2006. Several factors are contributing to these rising numbers, not the least of which is the fact that there is a growing body of information and data on how to use it and the results that can be achieved.
WHAT`S IN IT FOR YOU?
First, let`s take a look at the advantages. At the end of the day, the tools you use must help you to reach your personal goals. If growing the size and quality of your dairy herd is a definite priority then using sexed semen allows you to raise more quality heifers which is a definitely a primary key to the success of your enterprise. There are four ways that sexed semen directly impacts this area of your program:
More heifer calves
Easier calvings more often
First calf heifers that get off to a good start after easy calving.
First calf heifers that calve at an earlier age and begin producing and making money sooner.
These positive outcomes alone make sexed semen a viable choice. Of course, everything runs on the financial impact. With sexed semen there is less dependence on outside sources for replacement heifers, thus saving that expense. Because you are not bringing in animals from other herds, the health and disease risks and resulting expenses that could be incurred are reduced.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS!
There are specific advantages to choosing sexed female semen or sexed male semen.
SEXED FEMALE SEMEN
On the female side five positives quickly add up:
More heifer calves per calving
Easier calvings
Gives a better start for the heifer as milking cow
First lactation cows that have heifer calves breed back quicker and come into milk more rapidly because these heifers are calving in with a smaller calf.
Less stress equals more productivity
Extended longevity
Each one of these factors could play a significant role in expanding your herd, increasing your milk production and last, but not least, achieving your financial goals.
SEXED MALE SEMEN
Choosing to use sexed male semen can achieve specific goals that you are targeting as well. If you have heifers that you don’t want to have heifers from, you can use male semen from beef bulls. The higher price you can get for the bull calves pays the higher price of the sexed semen. If you’re running an elite breeding program you may be interested in getting bulls from a specific cow family for sale to A.I. This is not done often, because flushing with unsexed semen gives more viable embryos.
Don`t Choose SEXED SEMEN if You`re Not Going to USE IT RIGHT!
Too often the informed decision to use sexed semen is counterproductive because of less than careful herd management and inseminating protocols.
Anything less than quality herd management dramatically reduces your reproductive performance and profitability. It almost goes without saying that you must choose healthy, normally cycling, well-grown, stress free virgin heifers for breeding with sexed semen. The “almost” is used because this step has been overlooked to the detriment of a quality outcome. Once the recipient is identified, you must establish the best possible nutritional program supported by clean housing and stringent health protocols. With these in place, you are ready to use the sexed semen. This too must be done properly to prevent lowering the conception rates below those achieved with conventional semen. The following four steps must be completed with scrupulous attention to detail:
Semen storage
Semen handling
Semen thawing
Insemination protocols
Taking shortcuts in any of these areas is equivalent to throwing money down the drain. After all, sexed semen already averages 20% lower conception rate compared to conventional semen. To add extra rearing costs or expenses incurred because of poor health and animal management is simply bad business.
Looking Ahead: Availability of Elite Sexed Semen
Currently, producing sexed semen incurs significant time and expense. When this is added to the reduced efficiency in terms of doses per collection, compared to conventional semen, it is understandable that most elite proven sires are not widely available via sexed semen. Having said that, there is a growing trend toward sexed semen being provided for elite genomically tested young sires.
Looking Ahead: Genetic Gains
The use of sexed semen is estimated to increase the herd’s rate of genetic progress by 4.4% per year, compared to no use of sexed semen, which could gradually increase to 7% per year if sexed semen progressively becomes available for all elite A.I. sires, both young and progeny proven.
Looking Ahead: Economic Benefits
We all want to make money. Using sexed semen to breed some or all of the virgin heifers in a herd, regardless of herd size, yields financial advantages once market prices for week-old heifers exceed the price for bull calves by at least $150. The economic benefits increase proportionally as this price difference expands, due to higher heifer value prices.
Looking Ahead: Global Uptake
In the first years since sexed semen was introduced, several factors have come into play which have affected its use. In the beginning in North America there was heavy use. After two or three years it dropped off due to the drop in U.S. milk prices. Recently higher milk prices are causing a resurgence of use. Likewise in Europe, European Union dairy farmers will be seeking more heifers to milk in the quota free market in 2015.
THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE:
Use of sexed semen should be considered by owners of herds with quality heifer rearing, nutritional and general herd management systems. Using sexed semen will allow these breeders to capitalize on the potential genetic and economic gains available from this new technology, which is in the early stages of broad adoption across the industry.
With high gas prices and little perceived genetic diversity is there really a need to have 5+ different semen salesmen coming in the lane? This has been a tricky question for many years. They all want a piece of your genetic dollar, but are they taking up too much of your time to just shoot the latest company line and share the local community gossip?
Technology
As technology has changed how most breeders get their information, there really is no need to get all the information from the “local” semen salesmen. In the past. in order to get the latest sire proofs or daughter pictures. You needed to get a shiny brochure with all the fancy pictures to determine what sire you would use. Today most breeders already know who the latest top sire is and have looked at daughter pictures online or in the trade publications. It has gotten to the point where you can even order your semen online and have it shipped to you.
Gas Prices
Gas is not getting any cheaper, and trust me those nice fancy F-160’s or GMC Sierra’s don’t come cheap. Hence, the change for some AI companies to switch to Ford Rangers. Add up a $40,000 to $70,000 a year salesmen, plus truck, plus gas, plus insurance and that trip in the lane becomes very costly. Ultimately, this cost is paid by the breeders through increased semen costs. Do you really want to be paying extra so the local semen salesmen can drive a fancier truck?
Genetic Diversity
In the past, each semen salesmen had a very distinctive product line. Semex had your type and “balanced cow” sires, ABS and Select had your production sires, and the International sires had your outcross pedigree’s with high components. However, that has all changed. Looking up and down each of the major A.I. companies sires line-ups shows little genetic diversity. They all try to offer something to everyone. This has blurred the line between the companies and only made the need for less of them to come in the lane.
Wasted Time
Probably the biggest cost that most breeders don’t think about is how much time it takes to talk to each semen, seed, equipment, ag-products person that comes in the road. Now I understand that on the typical operation can be pretty lonely. Not too many other breeders are coming in the lane, and social interaction at times can be limited. Trust me I have been there. In my career, I have had the opportunity to cover a sales territory and I know how long this can take. I understand that these people coming in the lane can be a great break. However, you need to ask yourself which ones bring value and which ones waste time.
As the role of a semen salesmen has changed, they are now more breeding advisers than salesmen. The “good ones” understand when to spout the company line and when to say it like it is. It’s these ones that bring you value and earn your trust. The ones that keep pushing their newest or most expensive sire are just wasting your time. Maybe it’s time to start telling those time wasters,” Hey instead of coming every week/month, how about you just wait until I call you?”
The Bottom Line
There is no question that the semen sales game has changed and I am not just talking about genomics. Technology, gas prices, and limited time have breeders asking themselves “Are there too many semen salesmen coming in the lane?” The answer really comes down to whether you feel they bring value, or are they just making a social call. Your time is too valuable to be wasted on social calls. Next time it feels like your local semen salesmen is just wasting your time, throw him a real pitchfork and say, “Let’s both get some value out of this time!”
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Genomics affects all areas of cattle breeding. Genomic testing of young bulls is the new bandwagon. While some cautious folks who seek higher reliability percentages are waiting another three to five years to use them, their early adopter neighbours will be milking daughters of those bulls. And so it is, that those breeders who are planning to raise bulls for A.I. should know what they’re doing and do it right!
A Bull Breeder’s Dozen: 12 ways to Hit the Bull’s Eye
Everyone agrees that the cattle breeding game is changing but good business sense, cow sense and common sense will keep your herd on the growing edge. It is obvious that everything you would do to raise your investment heifers should apply to bull rearing. But there are a few details that could make the difference to whether your young bull makes it to the proven list or becomes one of the Generation Exit bulls.
Get A Contract When it comes to getting bulls into A.I., don’t rely on wishful thinking. Before you take the first step, make contact with A.I. studs and discuss what bulls they are interested in. No one produces a product without knowing the end market and A.I. organization have the data, information and market to guide you in this part of the decision making process. It is in their interest and yours to make sure that neither time nor money is wasted on producing a bull that will not be used. This is the time to confirm all the details relating to health requirements and timelines and negotiate financial particulars as well. When the bull is on the ground, it’s too late to realize that there were health protocols that were not taken care of or that you were not clear on payout terms.
We’re Talking Bull High on the decision making list is how you will get the bull you and the A.I. company are targeting. Embryo transplant? Sexed semen? The more risk of failure you remove from this process, the higher your input costs will be. Variables like conception rates, fertility and recipient costs all add up. Having said that, nine months down the road you want a healthy bull to work with
Without Health There’s No Wealth Whatever female carries your bull, it is imperative that she be free of diseases. Failure to pass even one required health test brings your bull breeding dreams to a full stop. The dairy breeding market is unforgiving. Be diligent in this area. It’s costly if it is overlooked.
Well Begun is Half Done Every dairy operation has routine procedures for calving. If yours are working for you just keep on. If you have regular problems in this area, take care of them before you lose a potential money maker. Leave nothing to chance. Be present for the calving. Make sure the new bull gets off to the best possible start. There are many choices to make in how you will raise your bull. Every one of them can affect your bank balance.
It’s a Test. Will you pass? If you’re focused on producing an A.I. bull, you’ve got to keep the paperwork going. Inform the A.I. company you’re contracted with that the bull calf has arrived. Register with the breed association. Get the genomic testing done. Genomics is the modern day “no-darn-good” identifier. If you have done your homework this won’t be a problem for you. There is no reason to wait to send in the sample. When these steps are taken care of, you are ready to move on. You might as well find out any problems that could arise here. It’s costly to raise an animal that already has been eliminated for some unexpected reason
COLOSTRUM Makes the DIFFERENCE It’s impossible to focus on the health of the bull calf without careful consideration of colostrums. Many breeders, veterinarians and consultants will advise making sure that the mother is free of disease and thus use her colostrum. There are costs associated with this. Experience says that dried artificial colostrums is worth the price in this situation. The goal is to make sure the bull is free of all diseases. Take the steps to see that this job gets done!
Leave That Bull Alone With all the talk of the need for a disease-free, healthy bull, the most important step you can take is to keep him isolated as much as you can. Every farm is host to certain resident diseases and the more contact the bull has the more opportunity there is for him to pick up something that will nullify your contract. It is never too early to move this young investment to a scrupulously clean hutch. Any modification that keeps him in a closed space with other animals is a decision that reduces your financial success. Making space in the barn means making an opportunity for the bull calf to be infected with vaccines used on females.
Absolutely no Vaccinations This is another “must not” that should be clearly covered in your A.I. contract. Don’t leave anything to chance. Make sure that you are prepared to prevent contamination through rigorous housing and animal handling protocols.
Don’t Follow the Herd on Weaning Bulls that stand out from the crowd most likely were raised away from the crowd too. After weaning, the young bull should be isolated from other dairy animals, until they are ready to leave for A.I.
Looking for Mr. Good-Body Just as raising heifers is a big investment, so is raising a bull. The area of body condition is one that is slightly different for bulls. The young male needs to be strong and mature quickly. A body condition score around 3 or 4 is the goal. The correct nutrition will ensure better development of testicles and then production of semen at an earlier age and in larger quantities. The impact of doing this right is crucial.
Now for the Inspection The A.I. company you are contracted with will come to the farm to inspect the young bull. They will have benchmarks they are looking for relating to growth and development and, of course, health tests will be key to the contract being fulfilled.
The Best Bulls Start Early When you have done everything you can and all systems are “Go!” you will want to see your bull in use as a sire of sons as soon as possible. In the bull breeding business the one who is first with the most is the one that wins!
THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE There are many important steps to take to make sure that the bulls you raise are attractive to cattle breeders and A.I. studs. Do it right and it’s money in your pocket. That’s No Bull! That’s Your Bull!
Canadian National Holstein Convention 2012
Brandon, MB
Judge: John Buckley, ON
205 Head
Intermediate Calf (4)
1. Rietben B Sassy (Braxton), Blair Weeks, PE
2. Lampada Vengence Ellen (Vengence), Lampada Holsteins, SK
3. Jamevall Lauthority Mona June (Lauthority), James Valley Colony, MB
Senior Calf (26)
1. Benner Windbrook Jocasa (Windbrook), Benner Holsteins, MB
2. Kenbert Seaver Dilly (Seaver), Kenbert, Roneamar & Mazylake, SK & AB
3. RF Duplex Courage (Duplex), Black Forest Farm, BC
Junior Champion B&W
Greenlane Destry Laurel (Destry), Westcoast Holsteins, BC
Reserve – Lafontaine Aftershock Arrie (Aftershock), Westcoast Holsteins, BC
HM – Vandyk-S Atwood Everly (Atwood),Vandyk-S, T&L Cattle & Kingsway, WA, BC & ON
Junior Breeders Herd (3)
1. Kenbert Acres, SK
2. Skycrest Holsteins, AB
3. Rietveld Dairies Ltd., AB
Junior 2 Year Old (10)
1. Scha-Way Adv Lipstick-Red (Advent), Westcoast Holsteins, BC
2. Ehrhardt Gold Beauty (Goldwyn), Westcoast Holsteins, BC
3. Regwall Shake N Bake (Atwood), Blair Weeks & Bernandale, PE
Senior 2 Year Old (15)
1. Pappys Goldwyn Rave (Goldwyn), Westcoast Holsteins, BC
2. Valleyville Sanchez Renate (Sanchez, Barclay Phoenix, ON
3. Wedgwood Pepper Jasper (Jasper), Stanhope-Wedgwood, BC
Junior 3 Year Old (14)
1. Roswitha B Goldwyn Aurora (Goldwyn), Roswitha Holsteins, MB
2. Clearvalley Gold Rewind (Goldwyn), Wendon, Lucky Hill, Dardel & Zimmer, AB
3. Sicy Allie (Goldwyn), Morsan Farms, AB
Senior 3 Year Old (12)
1. RF Blackforest BGJ Melinda (Jules), Continental Holsteins, AB
2. Donfield Marcus Johanna (Marcus), Donfield Farms, MB
3. Fradon Redbull Jingle (Redbull), Stanhope-Wedgwood, Elmbridge & Nicrest, BC
Intermediate Champion
Roswitha B Goldwyn Aurora (Goldwyn), Roswitha Holsteins, MB
Reserve – RF Blackforest BJG Melinda (Jules), Continental Holsteins, AB
HM – Pappys Goldwyn Rave (Goldwyn), Westcoast Holsteins, BC
4 Year Old (23)
1. Silvermaple Damion Camomile (Damion), Silvermaple Holsteins & Stanhope-Wedgwood, BC
2. Skycrest Affirmed Nose Dive (Affirmed), Skycrest Holsteins, AB
3. Stanhope Lorel Goldwyn (Goldywn), Stanhope-Wedgwood, BC
5 Year Old (14)
1. Brainwave Goldwyn Lauramie (Goldwyn), Westcoast Holsteins, BC
2. Continental Drake Rosily (Drake), Continental Holsteins, AB
3. Wedgwood Dellia Jordan (Roy), Stanhope-Wedgwood, BC
Mature Cow (21)
1. Sunnyhome Eastwood Melody (Eastwood), Sunnyhome Farms & RockyMountain Holsteins, BC & AB
2. Skycrest Dundee Nutmeg (Dundee), Skycrest Holsteins, AB
3. Butz-Butler Durham Amy (Durham), Westcoast Holsteins, BC
Grand Champion R&W
Scha-Way Adv Lipstick-Red (Advent), Westcoast Holsteins, BC
Reserve – Jon-Lu Talent Regina Red (Talent), Westcoast Holsteins, BC
Honorable – Lake-Prairie Advent Ava-Red (Advent), Westcoast Holsteins, BC
Senior Champion
Silvermaple Damion Camomile (Damion), Silvermaple Holsteins & Stanhope-Wedgwood, BC
Reserve – Brainwave Goldwyn Lauramie (Goldwyn), Westcoast Holsteins, BC
Honorable Mention – Continental Drake Rosily (Drake), Continental Holsteins, AB
Grand Champion
Silvermaple Damion Camomile (Damion), Silvermaple Holsteins & Stanhope-Wedgwood, BC
Reserve – Brainwave Goldwyn Lauramie (Goldwyn), Westcoast Holsteins, BC
Honorable Mention – Continental Drake Rosily (Drake), Continental Holsteins, AB
Premier Breeder – Skycrest Holsteins, AB
Premier Exhibitor – Westcoast Holsteins, BC
New York Spring BW Holstein Show Apr. 16 – Syracuse, NY
Judge – Mark Rueth, Wisconsin
Winter Calf (7)
1. McWilliams Damion Shine (Erbacres Damion x C-Cove Pledges Sabrina), Chris & Jen Hill, Todd Whittier, Chad Umbel, Thurmont, MD
2. Dappleholm G Roxette (Nipponia Edr Gibraltar), Morasci, Borba & Burdette, Mercersburg, PA
3. Ms Gold Chip Bright-ET (Mr Chassity Gold Chip-ET), Jeff Butler & Amanda Kennedy, Chebanse, IL
Fall Calf (20)
1. Ploegsway Braxton Natshak (Regancrest Braxton x Ploegsway Terrason Nutshell), Budjon, Phoenix & Trent Valley, Lomira, WI
2. Windy-Knoll-View Picasso-ET (Crackholm Fever), James & Nina Burdette, Mercersburg, PA
3. Savage-Leigh Yank Fever-ET (Crackholm Fever), Donald McEvoy, Cortland, NY
Summer Yearling (23)
1. Co-Vale Fever Camila-ET (Crackholm Fever x Duckett Carisma Eva), Cates, Eaton & Phoenix, Syracuse, NY
2. Windy-Knoll-View Pure (Durchan Elite Everest), James & Nina Burdette, Mercersburg, PA
3. Windy-Knoll-View Planner (Maple-Downs-I GW Atwood), James & Nina Burdette, Mercersburg, PA
Spring Yearling (21)
1. Miss Beautys Bombshell-ET (Braedale Goldwyn x Ms Exels Dundee Beauty), Roll-N-View, Eaton, Murphy & Cates, Preble, NY
2. Savage-Leigh Atwd Light-ET (Maple-Downs-I GW Atwood), Christopher Savage, Knoxville, MD
3. Windy-Knoll-View Parfait-ET (Maple-Downs-I GW Atwood), James & Nina Burdette, Mercersburg, PA
Winter Yearling (16)
1. Co-Vale Dundee Jemma-ET (Regancrest Dundee x Co-Vale Rubens Jaded), Brad Cates, Preble, NY
2. Sweet Peas Asteroid Amber (Kingsmill Gdwyn Asteroid), Matthew Pease, Susquehanna, PA
3. Ka-Geo Golden Rae-ET (Braedale Goldwyn), Jeff Butler, Chebanse, IL
Fall Yearling (13)
1. Whitdale-D Hvezda Sky-Red (Orbe-View S Strm Hvezda x Whitdale-D Advent Skylight), Chris & Jen Hill, Chad & Sandy Umbel & Richard Green, Thurmont, MD
2. Tomkins MrBrn Sizzle-Red (Dudoc Mr Burns), Brodie Bunkelman, Edgar, WI
3. Trefle Angola Goldwing-ET (Braedale Goldwyn), Butler, Mapel Wood, OConnor & Borba, Chebanse, IL
Junior Champion Junior Show
M-Signature Sanchez Siri, Jacob & Jared Dueppengiesser and Andy Chlus, Perry, NY
Res. – Maple-Downs-CC Du Amelia-ET, 1st fall yearling, Emily Tillapaugh, Warnerville, NY
HM – Dymentholm Lexis Lively, 1st fall calf, Max Wolf, Lebanon, CT
Junior Champion Open
ShowWhitdale-D Hvezda Sky-Red (Orbe-View S Strm Hvezda x Whitdale-D Advent Skylight), Chris & Jen Hill, Chad & Sandy Umbel & Richard Green, Thurmont, MD
Res: Co-Vale Fever Camila-ET (Crackholm Fever x Duckett Carisma Eva), Cates, Eaton & Phoenix, Syracuse, NY
HM: Co-Vale Dundee Jemma-ET (Regancrest Dundee x Co-Vale Rubens Jaded), Brad Cates, Preble, NY
Sr. 2-Year-Old (22)
1. Crater Indiana Goldwyn (Braedale Goldwyn x Crater Santana Linjet), Gen-Com Holsteins, Notre-Dame du bon Conseil, QC
2. Ernest-Anthony Allure-ET (Golden-Oaks St Alexander), Paul Neer & Ernest Kueffner, Litchfield, CT
3. Blondin Alexander Armana (Golden Oaks St Alexander), Sicy Ferme & Ferme Blondin, St. Placide, QC
Jr. 3-Year-Old (12)
1. Robrook Goldwyn Cameron (Braedale Goldwyn x Robrook Dundee Constance), Gen-Com Holsteins Ltd., Notre-Dame du bon Conseil, QC
2. Joleanna Frtn Ivory Rain-ET (To-Mar D Fortune), Joleanna & David Rama, Unadilla, NY
3. Rockymountain Gold Wishes (Braedale Goldwyn), Gen-Com Holsteins Ltd., Notre-Dame du bon Conseil, QC
Sr. 3-Year-Old (11)
1. Cookview Goldwyn Monique (Braedale Goldwyn x Cookview Igniter Monika), Ferme Yvon Sicard, Ferme Blondin & Jeff Butler, St Justin, QC
2. Midlee Roy Sparkling (Roylane Jordan), Gen-Com Holsteins Ltd., Notre-Dame du bon Conseil, QC
3. Sagamie Goldwyn Del (Braedale Goldwyn), Ferme Blondin, St. Placide, QC
Intermediate Champion of the Junior Show
Elm-Spring Tystry Saxton, 1st sr. 2-year-old, Andrew Tudor, Eagle Bridge, NY
Res.: Siemers SZ Hia-Mae-ET, 2nd sr. 2-year-old, Jacob Dueppengiesser, Perry, NY
HM: Rokeyroad Goldwyn Elate-ET, 1st jr. 3-year-old, Elizabeth Hill, Bristol, VT
Intermediate Champion of the Open Show
Robrook Goldwyn Cameron (Braedale Goldwyn x Robrook Dundee Constance), Gen-Com Holsteins Ltd., Notre-Dame du bon Conseil, QC
Res: Crater Indiana Goldwyn (Braedale Goldwyn x Crater Santana Linjet), Gen-Com Holsteins, Notre-Dame du bon Conseil, QC
HM: Ernest-Anthony Allure-ET (Golden-Oaks St Alexander), Paul Neer & Ernest Kueffner, Litchfield, CT
4-Year-Old (16)
1. Windy-Knoll-View Panini-ET (Braedale Goldwyn x Windy-Knoll-View Pledge), James & Nina Burdette, Mercersbug, PA
2. Milksource Goldwn Africa-ET (Braedale Goldwyn), Budjon Farms & Peter Vail, Lomira, WI
3. Roggua Dundee Evelyne (Regancrest Dundee), Ferme Yvon Sicard, Ghislain Demers, St Justin, QC
5-Year-Old (14)
1. Sudview Nordale Gold Liberty (Braedale Goldwyn x Comestar Lauriley Jasper), Ferme Blondin, St Placide, QC
2. Tween Bays Sara Goldwyn (Braedale Goldwyn), Gen-Com Holsteins Ltd., Notre-Dame du bon Conseil, QC
3. Muranda Advent Linda-ET (KHW Kite Advent-Red), Tom & Nancy Murray, Waterloo, NY
Aged Cow (9)
1. Blondin Redman Seisme-Red-ETS (Valleyriver Ruben Redmn-Red x Blondin R Marker Supra), Milk Source LLC, Kaukauna, WI
2. Raizel James Rosita-ET (Milk&Honey Encore Raizel), Colton Thomas, Cole & Olivia Cummings, N. Lewisburg, OH
3. Valleys-End Leader Emily (Valleys End Lee Leader), Mark Hough, Rebersburg, PA
125,000-lb. Cow (7)
1. Bingland Leduc Nancy-ET (Lystel Leduc x Bingland Starb Noel), Elmvue Farm, Johnstown, NY
2. Joleanna Outsid Mandarin-ET (Comestar Outside), Joleanna Holsteins, Unadilla, NY
3. Meadow Green Jeany Outside (Comestar Outside), Ferme Blondin, St Placide, QC
Senior & Grand Champion Junior Show
Curr-Vale Goldwyn Lady-L, 1st aged cow, Jessica Currie, Tully, NY
Res. : Linden-Loch Damion Delila, 1st 5-year-old, Douglas Boop, Millmont, PA
HM Ridgedale Folly, 1st 125,000 Lb. Cow, Cyrus Conard, Sharon Springs, NY
Senior Champion Open Show
Sudview Nordale Gold Liberty, 1st 5-year-old, Ferme Blondin, St Placide, QC
Res.: Tween Bays Sara Goldwyn, 2nd 5-year-old, Gen-Com Holsteins Ltd., Notre-Dame du bon Conseil, QC
HM: Windy-Knoll-View Panini-ET, 1st 4-year-old, James & Nina Burdette, Mercersbug, PA
Grand Champion Open Show
Sudview Nordale Gold Liberty, 1st 5-year-old, Ferme Blondin, St Placide, QC
Res.: Tween Bays Sara Goldwyn, 2nd 5-year-old, Gen-Com Holsteins Ltd., Notre-Dame du bon Conseil, QC
HM: Robrook Goldwyn Cameron, 1st jr. 3-year-old, Gen-Com Holsteins Ltd., Notre-Dame du bon Conseil, QC
Premier Breeder (tie): Joleanna Holsteins & Windy Knoll View
Premier Exhibitor: Ferme Blondin
Best Three Females (3)
1. Joleanna Holsteins
2. Muranda
3. Ovaltop Holsteins
Southern Spring National Show
April 14, 2012Stillwater, OK
Judge: Paul Trapp, Taylor, WI
4-Year-Old1.& BU
1. Weeksdale Goldwyn Raleigh (Goldwyn) Weeksdale
2. Weeksdale Allen Lolita (Allen-ET) Weeksdale
3. Pascoba Star Lucita (Lucky Star) Eastsde Holsteins
5 Year Old1. & BU
1. Eastside Fortune Oriole (Fortune) Eastside Holsteins
2. Fort Lands Goldwyn Jade (Goldwyn) Idee Holsteins & Jame Rhynes
3. Idee Goldwyn Lunette (Goldwyn) Idee Holsteins
Australian Champions
At Sydney’s Royal Show, Murribrook Holsteins became Premier Breeder with their victories including both the Junior Champions: Murribrook Jasper Petrea was Junior Champion ahead of Murribrook Jasper Pearl. Kamilaroi Wild Eve of Brad Snowden triumphed in the Intermediate category, while Strongbark Allen Candy of Jim Strong finished as Senior Champion. (source:holsteininternational.com)
Sales
Prairie Classic Sale a Complete Success!
The 2012 Canadian National Holstein Convention has been lighting up Brandon, MB for the last couple days. After a busy day of farm tours the Prairie Classic Sale kicked off at 7:00 p.m. 88 lots averaged $11,065! (source:holsteinworld.com)
High seller for the evening was Lot 13 at $48,000 – Benner Snowman Basanti. She is a August 2011 Snowman with a GTPI +2165 from the popular Mapelwood Baxter Bethany VG-85 2yr, sold to Benner Holsteins & Pennview Farm.
Second high seller was Lot 30 for $39,000, another nice Snowman calf that hails from Des-Y-Gen Planet Silk VG-87 2yr. She was consigned by David Dyment and Sebastion Dion and bought by Eastside Holsteins of PEI.
And rounding out the top three was Lot 2- $37,000. A First choice Mogul or Cookie Cutter Hefty x Ammon-Peachy Shana-ET sold to Rocky Mountain Holsteins and was consigned by Benner Holsteins & Pennview Farm.
Top-selling Federal daughter
$28,000: This was the amount paid for a yearling sired by Duckett-SA Federal (a Shottle son from Roy Frosty) and out of world-famous Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy at the Dodgeramma-Redfest Sale. The runner-up ($10,500) was Crescentmead Radint Rose – a potential 16th generation Excellent. (source:holsteininternational.com)
I have a message to those “critics” that feel the need to make comments about me personally and www.thebullvine.com. You think you have the last laugh when you make comments about me to others in the industry. You think that you are going to scare me off or force us to back down. Do you think that you could make a few comments, say a few things and we would go away with our tails between our legs? Well I have a message to you. YOU ARE DEAD WRONG.
You really need to do your homework on me. First, those that know me well enough know that I am not in my brothers pocket. He is a big boy and has done very well at Alta Genetics, but that has no effect on what we do at www.thebullvine.com. If anything the competitiveness between us, just makes me want to kick his a** that much more. Throughout my career no matter what negative has been said or happened to me, I have come back twice as strong. When one door has closed, I have opened up a new one. Trust me those new doors are much bigger. The Inbound Sales Network is one of the fastest growing digital agencies in the world. Do you think that this is an accident? Or, perhaps, just maybe, when it comes to this “internet” thing we know what we are talking about.
You need to understand my motives here. (If not go back and read “TWICE the BULL – HALF the S**T“) We did not start www.thebullvine.com for fame or fortune, we started www.thebullvine.com to give breeders a voice and share information that breeders have been begging for. Happily, the early results have backed this up substantially. We are already in the top 2 or 3 dairy magazine sites for traffic and our reader surveys show that breeders love the new site. We have already had over 200 reader responses with only one giving us anything lower than 7/10 and all saying “Keep up the Great Work.”
So did you think on the personal level that I would not come back swinging? Wrong again. While I will not give you the credit of identifying you specifically, what I will do is continue to publish and educate the breeders as we have so far. So you don’t think Lady GaGa has anything to do with dairy cattle, that our article on photo enhancement revealed too much, or that I should not be commenting on whether AI companies should own cattle. Great! Keep talking, and trust me will we too. We will continue to produce content that breeders want to read. Maybe if you actually read the Lady GaGa piece and realized one of the lessons, “Know your audience,” you would not be chirping so much about what we are doing if you spent more time actually connecting with your marketplace.
In the end what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. Criticism, constructive or otherwise, will always make us come back twice as strong, To be the voice of the breeders that others have bullied or have others messages forced their message down their throats. Does this mean I am alone in this fight? Not one bit. I have our amazing team here, and the more than 2,000 readers that come to the site daily to be inspired about how to take their breeding programs to a new level Thank you. Let’s keep growing this wonderful industry that means so much to each of us who can take the lumps and keep on going!
Whether the topic is stocks, real estate or cattle breeding, it is important to do your homework and capitalize on the information available to you. That is what Dominique and Kathy Merminod owner operators of Misty Springs Holsteins did with their best investment decision to date. “Investing in Willsona Freelance Sizzle at the Gen-I-Beq sale has certainly been the most profitable.”
Profits are the obvious measure of success for any area of investing but the Merminods of Little Britain Ontario add. “The investment into the Aldonhill Brilliance Red family has been the most consistently rewarding investment. This would be both on the male and female side of the equation.” This double payback is a recurring theme when the couple report on the successes they have achieved. “Consistent breeding patterns within the family both on the maternal and paternal side of the pedigree are important to us. From the animal themselves we look for a good balance of dairy strength and open rib.”
MISTY SPRINGS MB BRIGHTER RED VG-87-3YR-CAN, #3 LPI RW COW IN CANADA
Learn from the Past … avoid the “If Only” regrets
The learning curve in cattle investing is steep. Occasionally you assess where you stand and perhaps think of modifications you might wish you’d made. The Merminods look at their investments analytically. “There aren’t really any of them that we wish we could have back. Every one of them has taught us something along the way and has had an impact on the decisions that we make today. We were runner up bidder on embryos from an Online embryo sale from Diamond Genetics. If we had only bid higher, we could have had animals from Snowman’s family very early.” Experience builds the confidence to take those risks.
The Right Partners …. A Marriage Made in Heaven
Some cattle investors mitigate the risk involved by working with partners. “We do so cautiously” is how Kathy and Dominique assess their philosophy in this area. “If we are working with partners, we look for someone who is like-minded and shares the same breeding goals that we have.” This husband and wife team sums it up in their own terms. “The problem with partners is that it is very much like a marriage without the benefits that keep it exciting!”
The View From the Far Side of Genomics
Genomics has had a tremendous impact on the industry. The Merminods explain their approach. “We use Genomics as we would any other tool. We still look for consistency within the family and a balance of type and production. Genomics gives us an opportunity to increase the tools that we have at our disposal to make the selections for heifers and in selecting bulls to use. We don’t rely strictly on the numbers or select for only a few select traits. For us, balance and consistency are still of paramount importance. The industry is still in the early stages of learning how to use genomic information and there are many mistakes to make along the way. It will be interesting to see what the next few years bring. We feel that using strictly young sires to stack numbers is not the way to go and could end up costing the industry as a whole and set the industry back in its breeding advances. We feel that there will be a shift of emphasis from health traits back to conformation because it seems that with the emphasis the way it currently is, and the numbers coming in the way we see them coming, we are going to lose in the area of conformation.”
Insider Tips
The potential for investing in dairy cattle is growing every day. The Merminods have advice for new breeders who are starting to invest. “Look for an animal whose family transmits both on the female and male side of the pedigree. Chose an animal that you can breed from. Don’t be afraid to purchase the sister with the second highest genomics, she may the one who transmits. Make sure that the investment isn’t more then you can afford to lose.”
THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE
“There has been a shift in focus to health traits and genomic information. The average cow today is the equivalent of what would have been considered to be the highest level in past years. Make sure you do your homework and really examine all aspects of the pedigree.” Dominique and Kathy Merminod, Misty Springs Holsteins
The Andersen Family of American Falls, Idaho knows what it means to focus on family generations. Thirty-five family members strong. Including twenty-five grandchildren, they have the perfect resources to build a dairy team. Currently that effort is headed by Dad Alan, who is the CEO and Mom Norma, the CFO. Son Greg manages Seagull Bay Dairy which is a 600 cow freestall operation with about 80 registered Holsteins while son Ben manages a 1500 cow commercial operation, Andersen Dairy, Inc. which supplies 1800 replacement heifers for both dairy operations.
GENERATING BUSINESS: Built on Generous Goals
With thirty years experience, Alan knows exactly what their success has been built on, “Our goal is to breed elite sires and females that will benefit other breeders and commercial dairymen as well as ourselves.” This strong focus on the people side of the business complements the cattle knowledge that is the foundation of Seagull Bay Dairy. “We like cows that excel in production of milk components (pounds of protein and fat), have quality mammary systems, and are low maintenance.” By each of these measures, the family business is topping the charts but, in the end, it always comes back to people, “We like to sell animals that can make a nice profit for their new owners and generate repeat business that will last for generations.”
Seagull Bay Dairy has had outstanding success. Let’s look at Shauna, Daphne and Minnow who are three outstanding examples:
SOARING WITH SHAUNA
AMMON-PEACHEY SHAUNA VG-87-2YR-USA
Alan starts the role-call of the generations with Ammon-Peachey Shauna who is a VG-87 Planet X VG-86 Shottle X VG-86 Oman X EX-92 Rudy Missy. Shauna is probably the top genomic bull mother in the breed right now with her top 6 sons averaging over 2450 gtpi and 3500 GLPI. Of five sons now released, she has two top 5 GTPI (Seagull-Bay Supersire & Seagull-Bay Headliner) and two top 5 GLPI (Seagull-Bay Sargent & Seagull-Bay Shaw). Her two snowman sons (Seagull-Bay Platinum & Seagull-Bay Diamond) 2512 GTPI & 3728 GLPI will be a year old this summer. Shauna has a total of 13 sons already accepted into AI with eight of them coming available later this year. Of course, this generates a ripple effect for Andersen’s dairy business, “Shauna and her daughters are undoubtedly our most sought-after females at this time. We have requests for embryos or sale consignments weekly.” Keeping up with demand is a great problem to have. “Shauna’s only Windbrook daughter (Seagull-Bay WNBRK Sunday) sells as Lot #1 in the Canadian National Convention Sale April 19th.” Looking ahead he reports, “Shauna’s oldest daughters will begin flushing in the next couple of months. We have daughters here from Shauna by Snowman, Robust, Plato and Gerard.”
DAPHNE IS A DAIRYMAN’S DELIGHT
PINE-TREE SHARLA DAPHNE VG-87-2YR-USA
Alan then moves on to another performer, Pine-Tree Sharla Daphne (VG-87 2yr). Daphne is also from the Rudy Missy’s and is the #1 GTPI Die-Hard of the breed. She boasts a sire stack of Die-Hard X DOM Shottle X VG-87 Outside X EX-92 Rudy Missy. For Alan her popularity is based on three things, “She offers a unique pedigree with nearly 3 PTAT points and is milking very well.”
THE MINNOW FAMILY: Big Momentum with Minnow
You might think these first two cows could justifiably explain why Seagull Bay is showing up more and more frequently on top dairy breeders’ radar. However, the growing generations of great cattle don’t stop there and Alan shares another notable success story. “We are proud to have developed the Minnow cow family here at Seagull Bay. Lynmead Celsius Minnow (EX 91) had a lifetime total of 255,000 lbs and produced 49,500 lbs as a 4 year old.” He goes on to explain the developing generations which is the Andersen family breeding goal. “Minnow has transmitted outstanding production and type through several generations of her offspring. We now have nine and ten generation VG & EX lines in the Minnow family. Since purchasing Minnow as a milking two year old in 1994 her offspring have consistently risen to the top at Seagull Bay and in several other herds through the years. Just a few highlights include her granddaughter Seagull-Bay Oman May EX-92 as one of Oman’s highest scoring daughters. Oman May is the dam of Seagull-Bay May Pauline, the (VG-86 EX MS) Planet that is the #11 NM cow of the breed.” These are excellent stats in everyone’s measure, but there are more to come. “Minnow’s daughter Seagull-Bay Manat Mirage is the dam of 1 EX and 19 VG daughters so far at Roorda Dairy in Iowa. From the December GTPI lists you could find Mirage and Minnow in 10 of the top 25 GTPI females of the breed. Six females were sired by Mirages grandson Robust while 4 heifers were from the #1 GTPI cow in December Roylane Shot Mindy (VG 85 Shottle X VG-86 Oman X EX Mirage X EX 91Minnow).” Great stats but, lest you think Minnow family members are only on the genomic charts, Alan adds these great numbers, “Mirage’s Oman son Seagull Bay Mano is the current #17 proven sire andMirage is the grand dam of Major (7HO9471) who is the #8 UDC bull of the breed. The currentU.S. cow lists show 3 Minnow family members in the top 50: Roylane Shot MIndy #3, Seagull-Bay Oman Mirror #11 (@ 7 years old), and Seagull-Bay May Pauline #43.” This family has got what it takes and buyers are happily demanding to be part of the success which Seagull Bay strives to meet. “From the Minnow family we have Roorda Observer Majic15272 (GTPI 2422) who is now being flushed. Also flushing are 2 daughters of T-C-G Shottle Minnow (VG-89 1st lactation and All-Idaho Sr. 2) Shottle X VG-87 Toystory X VG-87 Oman X EX Mirage X EX-91 Minnow) by Super (GTPI 2257) and Observer (GTPI 2203).”
Seagull-Bay Oman May EX-92
YOUNG SIRE or PROVEN BULL? Know When the Time is Right Says Andersen
A recurring question among dairy breeders is whether to use young sires or proven bulls. “We use both young sires and proven bulls on our top cow families.” Says Alan Andersen. “If you look closely at Shauna’s offspring most all of them are sired by daughter proven bulls. Now that Shauna has increased in reliability with a great score and production record, we are more comfortable mating her with young sires. We use the young sires to accelerate the genetic progress while realizing there is risk as well as reward.” Timely decision making is working for Seagull Bay.
Proven Sires currently used at Seagull Bay Dairy: Planet, Man-O-Man
Young sires currently used at Seagull Bay Dairy: Supersire, Headliner, Sargeant, Shaw, Numero Uno, Mogul, Lithium, Mayfield, McKutcheon, Lexor, Punch
ANALYZING GENOMIC RISKS: Potential Genetic Progress vs. Potential Genetic Regret
In the same way that all breeding tools are scrutinized by the Seagull Bay team, genomics is carefully considered, “While we believe that the top group of genomic sires will be better than the current top group of proven sires, the obvious risk is that a chosen mating sire for our top females will turn out to be a disappointment. If a hot genomic bull falls out of favor when milking daughters enter his proof, then you have a hole in a previously solid pedigree.” The Andersen’s identify the possible impact of this risk but go on to say,” We continue to use genomic young sires as mating sires because we believe the potential genetic progress outweighs the potential failures. On a cow like Shauna, through IVF we are able to use several different young sires in order to lessen the risk involved if we were only using 2 or 3 different sires to breed the next generation of Shaunas.” Careful planning.
SIRE SELECTION: Pedigrees and Predicted Linears
The same care is taking in choosing sires. “Simply speaking, we use the highest bulls available that have pedigrees and predicted linears that match well with our donors. We also use bulls that have pedigrees that we are excited about. For example, we never used the Facebook bull because his dam is sired by Airraid. While Airraid sires great udders and great components, his stillbirth percent is so high that
we wouldn’t use him even though his TPI is extreme. We will also use the predicted linear of a young bull to protect a cow in an area that needs attention. Young bulls with strong maternal lines will also receive an advantage over bulls with similar indexes but less proven cow families. We used Robust on Shauna because we knew the cows behind him so well that it gave us confidence in him. So far it looks like a great decision and we are pleased to have two breed leading bulls (Supersire & Headliner) and two outstanding heifers (Miss America & Miss Universe) with Seagull Bay on both sides of the pedigree.”
GENOMIC PROGRESS: Seagull Bay Dairy is Flying Toward the Future
This family team is generous in sharing their experience with cattle breeders. Alan warns against following trends. “I wouldn’t advise breeders to change their breeding philosophy too much if what they are doing now is working and bringing them satisfaction. I foresee the genomic predictions continuing to improve. While I think the breed is benefiting from an increased rate of genetic progress with genomic predictions, I also appreciate breeding from strong maternal cow families with several generations of high producing VG & EX cows. The top young sires could have hundreds of daughters in their first crop proof so the production and type data from these daughters will help in the genomic predictions of all bulls. Top sires with outcross pedigrees will continue to be very important as well. As genetic progress accelerates with genomics so will the increase in the breed’s inbreeding percentages. If someone would like to try using genomic young sires then I would advise them to use several sires and try to match complementary pedigrees and linears. Remember that the reliabilities of genomic sires are better than just a parent average but are still well below daughter proven bulls with over 100 daughters. Certainly their proofs will change over time. We just don’t know how great of a change will occur.”
THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE
“Mating the best available sires to the best available females will on average produce the elite of the next generation. We enjoy working with good cows and always strive to make the next generation better not only for ourselves but for the breeders we do business with” Alan Andersen, Seagull Bay Dairy, Idaho.
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Space is at a premium for any print ad. How do you get your fellow breeder’s attention when working with such little room? With so much to say and so little room many breeders try to cram in as much text as possible and as many different animals as they can. White space is also an important element to include in your ad. White space is essentially empty space. While it may seem to be a waste of precious space in so small an area, white space actually will make your ad clearer and more easily understood. Remember that, although you are trying to squeeze in all your information, a solid block of text won’t be read at all. Plus, if your ad is clean and uncluttered, it will literally jump off the page when it’s surrounded by ads that are not.
A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words
Balancing Act
